For 1991, Dodge threw a turbo and other performance goodies into its Spirit family sedan and challenged every sport sedan in the world. Impressive! Despite its plebian starting point, there was plenty to like about the Spirit R/T in the bang-for-the-buck category. It was fairly light, helping make the most of its 224 HP, logging 0-60 times like its contemporary V8 Mustang and Camaro challengers. This 1991 Dodge Spirit R/T in Davenport, Florida looks ready to rumble, but two spun engine bearings (as described by the seller) call for some engine work before the next owner stars in Fast & Furious 27: Davenport Drift. The listing here on eBay, perhaps inspired by optimistic original sales hype, inspires potential buyers with exaggerated claims and what might be most kindly called embellished alternative truths. The $5950 Buy It Now price leaves enough for a tank of gas after withdrawing six large from that safe in your den.
The eBay-claimed “Lotus…engine” is actually the corporate Trenton 2.2 in Turbo III trim, including a Lotus cylinder head. The Thanks to Wikipedia for some details. It would take some aftermarket tweaks to get the “over 300 hp and 13 second quarter mile” promised in the listing, as well as (at least) a battery and the aforementioned engine overhaul. When it comes to restoring ’90s super-sedans, though, I’d take mechanical work over rust and interior repair any day.
Nothing here disputes the claimed 112,000 miles covered by this five-speed sedan, and original-looking fabric with no tears evident looks car-show ready.
All 1208 Spirit R/Ts from 1991 were built in Mexico, which didn’t stop Dodge from calling it “the fastest sedan made in America.” After logging over 200,000 miles on a modified, boosted FWD sedan, a 2002 Buick Regal GS, I was ready for a naturally aspirated RWD V8 for simplicity and traction that benefits from weight transfer at launch. That said, if this thing really makes over 300 HP, sticky tires and a Ninja-like touch on the pedals will embarrass a host of costlier and less practical modern performance machines.
The “senior-owned” Spirit includes a turbo timer and this MKS box, which I’m guessing is a boost controller, but I’ll invite our experts to ridicule and correct that idea in the comments below. Extra parts come with the sale including 16 lifters, front slicks, and a center console. Reading between the lines, the owner may have mentally moved on after spinning the bearings, leaving the R/T’s future in the hands of someone with the energy and enthusiasm to fix it up and enjoy its second life. Will you take on this rare ’90s super-sedan project?
I’ve always been a fan of these little 4-cylinder turbos from Dodge. I once owned a 1987 Shelby CSX and a 1989 Shelby CSX VNT, the latter which had the 224 hp motor this Spirit RT has. It was quite fast and I once had it up to 137 mph before I decided to back off. I would love to have this little gem and the price seems very fair. I wonder what it would cost to transport it to the Midwest.
Doug, I feel awkward correcting someone that owned one.
But, unless yours had had an engine swap, the CSX VNT had the Turbo IV engine with 175hp.
It was still fast, apparently Car and Driver recorded a top speed of 156 mph.
Thanks, Peter, you are correct. And after I read the eBay listing, I realized this Spirit RT is non-running and was raced, which now makes it non-appealing to me.
Thanks Fitch. Mopar carried on the Turbo compact rocket model from the great GLHS Omni, all the way to the SRT Neon and Caliber. Sadly done now. 🏁
I’m not a fan, but a new Hornet R/T is quicker than a Spirit R/T and all of the others you named.
Seen those CCFisher. Fair point. However I was thinking in the spirit of small turbo 4s w stick shifts. In Dodge’s case manuals were mandatory w the hottest models. I don’t like to consider anything hybrid or electric. Nothing against them..just not my cup of tea, but certainly capable of wicked speeds. I’ve driven a couple, one Tesla Dual motor and a hot Kia electric. Both had lethal acceleration.
Seems that a lot of these have been featured here.
This is a care that interests me – you’ll probably not see
another on the road.I like cars like this that aren’t worth a
fortune,& are fun to drive/own.
Agreed, angliagt. I was lucky enough to drive my brothers down the Pig Trail in Arkansas and it was nothing but fun.
Agree these cars are fast but with spun engine bearings the only fast is the money coming out of your wallet. Don’t think upwards of possibly 10k to fix the engine makes this car a good deal with the asking price.
Back in that day, one of our Tech guys for RMVR (Rocky Mountain Vintage Racing) was a Corp tech trouble shooter. He had one of these – chipped. Turned out a little over 300hp…and was scary to be in the car with him when he ripped it around the track. It really needed more brakes for that add’l HP.
Ended with no takers.