This 1989 Shelby CSX may indeed be one of the best examples left, as it has just over 13,000 original miles on the clock and appears to remain in outstanding factory condition. The 1989 models were the final send-off from the Mopar / Shelby collaboration, and they actually built a hell of a performance car out of the homely Shadow. Sadly, it has remained a somewhat obscure hobby car, as it doesn’t often share the limelight with some of the more conventional choices, like the Fox-body Mustang or the Toyota Supra Turbo. The 1989 models packed a very respectable 174 b.h.p. and 205 lb-ft of torque, all channeled through the front wheels. Find this low mileage CSX here on eBay with a suggested opening bid amount of $22,000.
Now, I love this era of Mopar product, as Carroll Shelby himself didn’t mess around when making improvements to otherwise humdrum cars like the Omni, Daytona, and Shadow. Even better, he first started with improving the chassis dynamics before moving on to increasing horsepower, which created a few years’ worth of very fun-to-drive models that didn’t carry a huge price tag. Like any other evolutionary process, by the time the final-year Shelby came around in the form of this CSX model, the formula was dialed in and greatly improved with the introduction of the variable nozzle turbo, which featured a turbocharger jointly developed between Garrett and Chrysler. I believe these final year offerings also got the gold wheels seen here.
My favorite feature is the Shelby-script Recaro seats. Now, over my years of junkyard hunting, I’ve been very fortunate to discover any number of pairs of desirable vintage seats. From Recaro to Konig, I’ve brought home more than my fair share. I always wanted to find the Recaro seats and the three-spoke Momo steering wheel from a Shelby CSX like this, but given the limited production numbers, this was a near-impossible quest; still, it’s always fun to stroll into a new salvage yard and see if the mythical Shelby CSX is hiding out back with its complete interior still present and in mint condition. Given the low mileage on this car, the cockpit is in near-showroom condition with no visible flaws and the Shelby plaque still affixed to the dashboard.
The engine bay isn’t nearly as well detailed as I was expecting for such a time-warp specimen, especially since the seller goes out of his way to point out that the front air dam has been replaced and professionally painted to address the parking lot abutment damage that the original lip incurred. Regardless, the more important detail is when the seller mentions that the CSX will be accompanied by maintenance receipts, which hopefully points to a long-term commitment to proactive repairs, even with the low mileage. New parts include the fuel pump, battery, spark plugs, and converted air conditioning, so kudos to the seller for not skirting on the maintenance just because the mileage is crazy low. Would you pay $22,000 for a Shelby-blessed Mopar product?
It’s nice to see one on the original composite Fiberride wheels, but there are some discouraging stories about what age and brake heat can do to their integrity. I have no idea if the stories are true or not.
I’d rather have this than that $22,000, 100k mile Honda Civic. Sure, even with miles, the Civic is probably in better shape than a nearly-new late-80’s Chrysler product, but the CSX would be way more fun and definitely more of a conversation piece at the Cars and Coffee.
It’s interesting that you’d compare the two. I bet that Civic Si and this Shelby CSX would turn in very similar times on a road course, the Civic Si by virtue of razor-sharp handling; the CSX by brute force. I think either car would be a hoot!
After 97 Civic is trash they have alot of headgasket and transmission problems
U need to drive a 2017 and up CIVIC SI………Only car in that price range with adjustable suspension for one….0-60 in just under 6 seconds with 205hp stock and 2900lbs handles like a go-kart..and with aggressive driving still pulls over 40mpg!!
I just sold my 2018 to buy a Challenger RT PLUS that I missed.
My daughters 1st car was a regular ’89 Shadow like this. No silly Shelby crap, but it was a really nice car for her. Certainly nothing I’d take cross-country, but for $500 bucks, it served her well. This, I consider, was the lowest of the low for Shelby, unless he made “Shelby” brand toasters, that is. I’m not sure, but I believe this car was a favor to Iacocca from Shelby to spruce up sagging sales. They sagged anyway, and not many were willing to cough up the extra $4,000 bucks for a mediocre car to begin with. The price only shows how someone thinks something as hum drum as a Dodge Shadow with Shelby’s name is worth an extra zero. Not to me.
From the location of the vehicle it reminded me of the “Get Back” Peter Jackson film. I’m not sure how often Paul McCartney sings the opening of the song Get Back. All I can tell you is it is permanently etched in my brain: “Jo Jo left his home in Tucson Arizona….”
With Experian rating the car so low you have to wonder if a lowball offer might be accepted by the seller. (I’m not sure why is was rated so lowly. Perhaps an “expert” can explain it to me?)
Googling the VIN I came up with this: https://epicvin.com/check-vin-number-and-get-the-vehicle-history-report/checkout/1b3bp94a2kn644926 . Sounds like the current owner bought it for $17K on May 5th.
Wow! Never seen one of these on the road!
all the big 3 built some junk but i personally think mopar won the junk car race for years… and if im not mistaken ford was the only 1 that didnt need a handout from the gov when all three were stuggling back in the day… ‘k-car’ ugliest run of cars ive ever seen IMO…
If it is anything like my Shelby charger u need to run away from this one
These cars were a blast to drive, and undeserving of all the hate. Also, this was far more than just a sticker package. This is a numbered Shelby car that went through his plant in California, receiving several performance upgrades in the process.
Im sorry but i look at cars the same way i look at women
Well, i used to look at women as i am older and retired !
This is ugly and i simply don’t really see it ,
Doest matter if it goes like hell as i dont want to ride a bad looking mama …
A reply to several comments.
Chrysler was not into making art with the automobiles they sold, so to be personally moved by the design will not happen. To find the true connection to a car, one needs to drive it over an extended time. Those who have experienced driving Shelby Dodges, appreciate Carroll Shelby’s creations for what they were, in most cases, common ordinary vehicles from which considerable performance was extracted.
To say this represents Mr. Shelby’s low point, well that might be true, but Chrysler was probably not working with the budget Ford had from selling a run away success the Mustang turned out to be. Nor could Chrysler capture the aura of desirability the Mustang enjoyed by being a break through model. But marrying the talents of Shelby with the Chrysler engineers, a truly note worthy car was offered. Also, compared to what the competition was offering, I’d say they built a very viable product. True, it is not for the gold chain crowd. Shelby’s target for the 1990 model year was Stuttgart. From a humble econobox car.
As far as Ford not receiving Federal funds, that was a conscious decision on Fords part. At the time Chrysler was a beat up victim of Benz’s hostile take over and the Obama White House allowed them to skirt state bankruptcy laws and dealer franchise regulations. I have always commended Ford for staying off that drug in a situation caused by very poor political economic policies.
And ‘Hum Drum’? Yes, but built to take a beating. And every car built has produced those ‘head ache’ cars. No need to run, just examine carefully. Everybody learns what they like in both cars and women, and can act on their choice accordingly
@ John D:
Re:
“As far as Ford not receiving Federal funds, that was a conscious decision on Fords part. At the time Chrysler was a beat up victim of Benz’s hostile take over and the Obama White House allowed them to skirt state bankruptcy laws and dealer franchise regulations. I have always commended Ford for staying off that drug in a situation caused by very poor political economic policies.”
A couple of things here. As I recall Ford had just sold Volvo and Jaguar so were relatively “flush” with cash and did not need a bailout. Both Chrysler and GM were on the verge of bankruptcy. I may be wrong, but I remember both Chrysler and GM paid back everything advanced to them with interest. If Obama had not acted likely we would be down to the “big 1” today. I’m not saying it was the right thing to do, only that there would have been actual consequences for a lack of action.
I’m sorry, I stopped paying attention to the whole fiasco after June 2009 when my franchise became obsolete. As I recall, many business analysts found neither GM or DaimlerChrysler needed to reduce dealer body size to survive. In fact if I recall correctly, GM reinstituted many if not all of their terminated dealers. I do know that Obama gave Chrysler to its unions and Fiat. That Ford had fortuitously sold off two marques and had enough cash is the why behind their what that I said. Austrian Economist would tell you ‘keep the government out and let the market decide the winners and losers.’ I agree.
I’m very sorry you lost your franchise.
I know in my city we lost a long term GM dealership (1930s) which had just moved from our downtown core to a brand new facility on the outskirts. After they lost their franchise another GM (newer) dealership took over the physical building (having two locations at the same time for a few years, until eventually they closed their old location).
This is one of the many reasons I have never bought a GM vehicle. The new Z06 looks pretty tempting though.
I was surprised when GM killed Pontiac instead of Buick because Pontiac outsold Buick by quite a bit here in the USA.
Then I read that GM sells 70% of their vehicles in CHINA and Buick is the number 1 selling car in CHINA because the emperor in the 1930s was chauffeured around Beijing in his Black Buick……so Buick is looked at as a prestigious vehicle and very popular in China, lots of $$$ to be made there!