1990 Dodge Caravan Turbo

I like the idea of a turbocharged Caravan. I mean, if you've got to haul a bunch of people and their stuff, why not have a little extra boost?

Dodge actually did offer a factory turbo on the Caravan very briefly from 1989-1990. It was a small 4-cylinder, but the effort was appreciated. This was during the Iacocca days, when the company was trying hard to keep up with the Japanese econobox invasion and did whatever they could to stand out, including adding a turbocharger to everything.

Turbocharging didn't matter much, but they struck gold in the form of something bigger: the first minivan. It was a great idea. There were certainly people-carriying vehicles before the Caravan. But they were big, bulky, uncool and fuel thirsty. Chrysler took the best virtues of a sedan and the best virtues of a truck and put them together to create something new. The Caravan was cleanly styled, small on the outside but big on the inside and had a couple decent engine choices. Families all across America embraced it quickly. The first Caravans from the 80s are like the first few Volkswagen Beetles: the birth of an icon.

The seller of this survivor also seems to have shown their appreciation for the Caravan's importance by enhancing the turbo. For one, the engine bay is very nicely detailed. They've also added a bunch of gauges to the interior that don't look half bad, as well as what looks like a ZEX nitrous boost kit. They say the engine has been bored 20 over with arp bolts and rods and it runs great.

This thing had about 150 horsepower when new, but it's probable got more now. The silver body is fitting of the speed demon theme here, and the aftermarket wheels are perfectly appropriate. It looks like they've pulled the stock grille, so I'd probably want to fill that in with a black or body-colored aftermarket piece and also try to clean or replace the headlamps.

The car is a little dirty and could be hiding some rust, so we're hoping it's clean, because this would be one fun ride. The ultimate sleeper?

Available here on craigslist where the seller is accepting offers.

1989 Dodge Caravan Turbo 5-Speed

The Caravan was a bright spot in Dodge/Chrysler's 80s lineup. Under Lee Iacocca, it debuted in 1984 as a combination of car and truck: the space and roominess of a van and the ride and handling of a car. It was an instant hit with families and the market has never been the same since.

The mechanicals are less innovative, with front engine and front wheel drive. Fortunately, Dodge was also an another kick in the 80s: turbocharging. I guess they figured the way to beat the front wheel blues was add a turbo boost to everything they sold. As a marketing schtick, turbocharging always looks and seems great. I actuality, it can be a mixed blessing.

So it's perhaps not surprising that a 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine found its way into some early Caravans. Even more rare is to find it mated to a stick shift. The engine was good for about 150 horsepower, not bad for the time. In fact, it felt quicker than some of the heavier rear-wheel drive Dodges of the time. Unfortunately the turbo was overshadowed by the more sensible and powerful V6. Sales dropped and 1990 was the last year for the turbo Caravan.

Early Caravans sold in huge numbers but were always driven into the ground, understandably. That means they're hard to find nowadays. The turbo version is even more obscure, but this one survived.

The seller says this one has minor dings, no rust, no roof racks, a new clutch, struts, shocks, tires, windshield, fuel pump, radiator and more. The say it runs good and was being driven 50 miles a day, but don't mention the odometer reading. They do say it needs paint, headliner and a cooling fan.

This is a fun alternative to your usual dull vans and wagons. It's under the collector radar but with some fresh black paint, armor-all and elbow grease this could make a quirky contender at Mopar shows.

Available here on craigslist in Pemberton, New Jersey for $3,200 firm.