A super low mileage Mitsubishi 3000GT VR4 recently sold on eBay, which sent me looking for the next best thing: an equally well-preserved captive import known as the Dodge Stealth R/T. This example has under 35,000 original miles and is the preferred twin turbocharged, manual transmission spec that made it one of the more impressive performance cars of the mid-90s. Find it here on the RK Motors website with a $22,900 asking price.
The Stealth is a thinly disguised Mitsubishi 3000GT under the skin, which itself was a re-badged GTO, as it was known it Mitsu’s home market. In my opinion, the Stealth always felt more lithe, a bit lighter in general, than the 3000GT which carried a chunkier appearance. The Stealth in R/T Turbo form made nearly 300 b.h.p. in 1992, later increased to 320 b.h.p., and paired to a 5-speed manual with all-wheel drive. Four-wheel steering and a 45/55 power split made for compelling handling to match the out-of-the-box performance.
Given the low mileage, it’s no surprise to see such a well-preserved interior with biscuit-colored leather sport buckets and a backseat I’m betting is unused. If there’s any downside to these cars it’s that the interiors did little to hide the fact that they were produced by Japanese automakers in the early 90s, which means lots of hard gray plastics and minimal style. The Stealth did share with driver-focused cockpit design with the 3000GT and Mitsubishi Eclipse, featuring vents and switchgear pointed towards the driver’s seating position. Carpets appear excellent as well.
As with any performance car that can be bought cheaply in project car form, the Stealth has been subjected to years of bad modifications and poor maintenance by young drivers. Finding one this nice is near impossible. I think the asking price is fair for likely one of the best examples left on the market today, and likely unrepeatable in the near term. I like this car, but make mine Pearl Yellow with a black interior – that is, if you can find one.
I had a nice low mile trade in 3000GT non turbo automatic, that I drove as a demonstrator. It had every option except for the twin turbos and all wheel steering. I took it to the auction one day, a trip that usually took me 90 minutes but it got me there in 60. When I first drove it, I parked the car thinking it needed the 5 speed for me to enjoy it, but the suspension worked really well and after I got used to the drive train, the car was quit enjoyable. After we wrote it down from the stupid high value our sales manager put on it, we finally sold it and I began to miss it. Nice trade ins came along often enough to keep me satisfied.
I drive a 1992 3000GT VR4 and also own a 1992 Dodge Stealth TT. Both have 40k original miles and are stock. Wonderful cars only driven on nice days.
My 1992 Stealth TT
well well I was a Daimler Chrysler technician and went to Henderson Nev for the training of that car for repairing it back then and yes it was a very impressive car and the thing is they rarely made them with the twin turbos so I would have to say if someone does land one it is one car I believe will triple if not more then this value today shown . ill bet we would be lucky if even 5k were made with the full package as this one has . thumbs up for finding this one thanks for the memories Barn Find . I working for the dealerships then was lucky to even see a dozen of them in my past with this package offered , and iwas located in the west coast California probably one of the most places you would expect to find these at too. But shortly after this car came out I had to go for schooling on the Viper which actually took dominance over the Stealth then the fine new Prowler and Crossfire came along and Stealth was a past thing . Just as the Mazeratti was.
Did you say biscuit-colored?! In all my years, I have never heard that reference. It does work tho. Lol.
I love this car! I was a young man working as a Dodge salesman when these came out. I was so envious each day when the owner pulled up in this exact car. I wanted one, bad!
I almost sold the blue one on the showroom floor but the deal ended up falling through. I was devastated! Mostly good memories tho. Great write-up.
I think “biscuit” actually gets used in Europe and the UK. I guess it sounds better than “crackers”
Always wanted one of these but the kids started falling out.
No mon, no fun
Well the kids didn’t actually fall out by themselves, right? You play, you pay.
I own two. A 1992 Stealth R/T non turbo w an automatic transmission and a 1995 ES,or base model. Both are daily drivers. I love them both. Great cars and poorly underrated IMO.
The dealer has an 86 IROC Camaro for the same price. How does that make any sense?
Great cars, but, very costly to maintain, think Jaguar, Mercedes but not nearly as bad as Maserati or Ferrari.
Once had a chance to purchase an authentic 1992 Twin Turbo Mitsubishi GTO JDM Right hand drive. This was 8 years ago (I regret to this day) The story it was at a salvage yard. The owners of the yard were selling it for a friend. Somehow it had been shipped in a container from Japan. It was too new to import to the US No title. Seemed hard to believe at the time. However I know the rules now would be awesome to have today.
I agree with Robert here. I believe pristine examples will be great investments. The time to get them is now. Great find
OMG! These give me nightmares. I worked at a dodge Jeep dealer. One came in under warranty for headgaskets! Took 2 bays and abou 2 day and only paid 7 hours. Had to lay out all the parts on the bay floor from the one pc exhaust on up. Never ever again I said or I am out! The service manager kept his promise but gave me a full size hummer to put an engine in. So glad I don’t wrench anymore! My back hurts thinking about it!
Think I may have found the car for you. Sure, the rims aren’t stock and the interior wasn’t exactly the color you wanted, but it’s better than nothing, right?