Forced induction was extremely popular during the 1980s, with many manufacturers jumping onto the bandwagon to produce turbocharged models. Mitsubishi released the Starion, and in partnership with Chrysler, marketed the car in North America as the Conquest, wearing both Dodge and Plymouth badges. The latter was the rarer of the pair, making this 1984 Plymouth Conquest worth a close look. It is an unmolested survivor with a known history and only 65,000 miles on the clock. The new owner could indulge in immediate driving pleasure because the Conquest is a turnkey proposition. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting this sporty classic listed here on eBay in Canton, Georgia. The seller set their BIN at $12,890 OBO.
Released in 1982, Mitsubishi initially targeted Asia/Pacific markets with a car badged as the Starion. It arrived in North America in 1983 under the same name, but a collaborative effort saw the same car sold as the Conquest by both Dodge and Plymouth from 1984. The final Plymouth-badged examples left the showroom in 1986, and with such a short market life, these cars are relatively rare from a big-picture perspective. This survivor has a known history, with the first owner remaining its custodian until 2023. He used the car sparingly, helping to explain the low odometer reading. The car looks bold in Code TX9 Black with Gold covering the lower extremities and the alloy wheels. Close inspection reveals minor paint imperfections, and the images suggest the Gold may be becoming slightly patchy. However, the panels are as straight as an arrow, and if considered purely as a survivor with forty-two years of service under its belt, the presentation is acceptable. The seller’s comprehensive image gallery includes underside shots, confirming the car’s rust-free status. The trim and glass look pretty good, and this Conquest scores extra points for its factory sunroof.
Lifting the hood reveals what makes the Conquest interesting. The engine bay houses a 2.6-liter fuel-injected four-cylinder engine. By adding a turbocharger, power and torque sit at 145hp and 185 ft/lbs. The car sends its ponies to the road via a five-speed manual transmission. While the engine’s output figures are modest by modern standards, there are intriguing possibilities to consider. Mitsubishi homologated the vehicle for International Group A Touring Car competition, wearing the Starion badge. The regulations were extremely strict, with the Starion having to utilize its stock engine block, and the unmodified cylinder head and turbocharger. Despite those restrictions, the company squeezed 300hp from the motor without compromising reliability. Therefore, if the buyer isn’t concerned about originality, they should have little trouble improving its already competent performance. The seller indicates that this Conquest is a turnkey proposition with no known mechanical shortcomings. The buyer can slip behind the wheel, enjoy the driving experience, and contemplate whether they would like to extract improved performance from their new toy.
Ice-cold air conditioning, leather trim, power windows, power mirrors, cruise control, a tilt wheel, and a premium AM/FM radio/cassette player with a graphic equalizer. Those features made the Conquest pretty luxurious in 1984, and they would still provide a comfortable motoring experience forty-two years later. The presentation is impressive for the car’s age, reinforcing my belief that this classic has been a prized possession since Day One. There is no significant wear or signs of UV deterioration. The leather looks supple and inviting, and there are no aftermarket additions. As with the exterior, this interior appears to have no pressing needs.
This 1984 Plymouth Conquest is a wonderful survivor, offering surprising performance belying its modest engine size. The first owner equipped it with some desirable factory options, ensuring that every journey feels special. The seller’s price is at the top end of the market for a survivor-grade vehicle, but its overall condition and low odometer reading make the figure realistic. Of course, the seller’s willingness to negotiate may improve the situation. What do you believe would be a fair price to pay for this Conquest?
The best looking Mopar of the 80’s IMHO,They actually made the Starion look better.Very slick good looking car.
Been a long time since I’ve seen on of those in the wild. A rare beast, indeed.
For some reason, this Conquest has been for sale for at least a year. I’ve had a search set up on eBay for a Starion or Conquest for around two years now and this car surfaces into my email regularly. Not sure what’s up.