The Dodge Colt was a re-badged Mitsubishi Mirage. While these used to be based off the rear-wheel drive platforms coming out of Japan, the 1978-1984 fourth generation Colt switched over to front-wheel drive. It was a blow to enthusiasts to say the least.
As if to make up for something, the GTS Turbo arrived in 1984, but it was the last year of this generation. It was also a special treat for U.S. customers only, however. Whereas other markets had turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engines, the GTS Turbo featured the slightly larger 1.6-liter that pumped out 102 horsepower.
Although it was almost like cheating when American auto companies made business deals to sell superior Japanese cars under their nameplate, at least Dodge added some unique power to this unit to make it their own.
These were is also equipped with a novel 8-speed "Twin Stick" manual transmission, which utilizes a two-speed transfer case to give 8 forward and 2 reverse speeds. The seller claims that if you practice restraint on the gas with each shift, the fuel economy expands to 45 miles per gallon. They also note the car weighs in at just under 1,900 lbs.
This example looks pitch-perfect in red with black trim and blacked-out wheels. The seller also mentions some notoriety in that the car was previously owned by Car and Driver Senior Technical Editor Don Schroeder and was used by the magazine for a 1991 road test, the results of which along with other documentation come with the car.
The seller says he was going to modify the car when his friends so objected he felt compelled to just sell the car instead!
Mechanically, they say it is a smooth runner and shifts well. They mention a host of recent work done. Cosmetically, they say there is no rust, having been stored since 1991 and driven only about 1,500 miles in the last two years. They replaced the windshield and note the interior is clean with no stains, tears, cracks or odors.
How many can there be left in this condition? This is a fun, cool, notable little car, and it comes with even more history in the form of automotive journalist previous ownership. Can you imagine actually owning the same car used in your favorite car magazine's road test? It just doesn't get much better.
Find it here on ebay in Syracuse, New York with 30 bids racked up at $2,800
Not usually the kind of car I'd get excited about, but I totally understand the enthusiasm for this one. Low mileage, good condition, uncommon, and previously owned by a known and admired auto journalist (who assuredly maintained it to a very high standard). Sweet.
ReplyDeleteI had one exactly like this. It belonged to my dad before he gave it to me. I had fun racing nonbelievers. I even beat a Porsche 944 before he woke up & figured out the "turbo" wasn't a cosmetic addition. Miss my Thunder Colt. 💜
ReplyDeleteI had one exactly like this. It belonged to my dad before he gave it to me. I had fun racing nonbelievers. I even beat a Porsche 944 before he woke up & figured out the "turbo" wasn't a cosmetic addition. Miss my Thunder Colt. 💜
ReplyDelete"The seller says he was going to modify the car when his friends so objected he felt compelled to just sell the car instead!" This car IS modified. I had a 1984 black GTS Turbo, and they were NOT intercooled.
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