- Seller: Walter K
- Location: Gastonia, North Carolina
- Mileage: 35,000 Shown
- Chassis #: JJ3CC54N5HZ041124
- Title Status: Clean
It has been said many times that a vehicle is only original once. Yet, many enthusiasts looking to make a vehicle “their own”. The new owner of this 1987 Chrysler Conquest can do just that. While this low mileage T.S.I. is largely original, also included with the sale is a trailer-load of N.O.S. parts, aftermarket performance, and good used parts, many of which are long discontinued. In short, you can “build it like you want it” without endless searches for rare parts and accessories. The automotive landscape was changing in the 1980s as manufacturers realized that they didn’t require cubic inches to produce cars with stunning performance. Forced induction was the new catchcry, and nowhere is this better embodied than in this 1987 Chrysler Conquest TSi. This classic is an original and unmolested survivor that presents superbly. It is one of the best remaining examples in the current market, and its condition is guaranteed to turn heads. Its owner purchased the vehicle for his private collection in 2009 but feels the time is right for it to find a new home. Therefore, he has listed the Conquest with us at Barn Finds Auctions.
I have long admired the wide-body Conquest because its lines are elegant but purposeful. It has aged far better than many similar cars from this same era largely due to its lifelong dry, climate-controlled storage. The original X15 code Black paint shines beautifully, looking deep enough to walk into. The car has no history of repairs or restoration and presents as it left the showroom. Dark paint is notorious for exposing panel imperfections, but this classic has no such concerns. The exterior is laser straight, with panel gaps that are tight and consistent. It began its life as part of a new car dealer collection in Michigan and California until retiring to North Carolina in 2009. It received Rusty Jones Rustproofing when new and is unsurprising that this Conquest is a rust-free example. The owner supplied underside shots in the gallery below, which reveal no signs of corrosion or other issues. The trunk floor still shines as new and the original spare is present. The glasswork is original still wearing the Mitsubishi 3 Diamond logo. The alloy wheels present very well and are free of curb damage while doing a fantastic job filling the bulging fenders. The body panels still wear the factory-applied body parts marking labels when new.
The secret to what helped the Conquest T.S.I. stand out from the crowd is exposed when the hood is raised. The engine bay houses the factory 2,555 cc four that sends power to limited slip-equipped rear wheels via a 5-speed transmission. The Mitsubishi-developed powerplant packs exhilarating performance courtesy of fuel injection and factory turbocharger. It generates 188hp and 234ft/lbs of torque, which is sufficient to launch the 3,031 lb. Conquest thru the ¼ mile in 15 seconds on the way to its 142 mph top speed. It is little wonder that Starion badged examples achieved considerable success in international motorsports competitions during this era. This T.S.I. is a numbers-matching example that has not been subject to modification and has not seen much recent action. The current owner recommends a full inspection of components to ensure trouble-free operation before being considered roadworthy. The fuel pump exhibits increased noise during operation, the brake master cylinder is weeping and full maintenance should be performed. Note: the necessary components to address these known flaws as well as a full complement of maintenance parts are among the trailerload of rare N.O.S., reconditioned, and good used parts and accessories included in the sale. Together they represent a welcome form of insurance for this Chrysler.
It is clear that Chrysler combined a love of performance with occupant comfort with the Conquest TSi. The interior remains as it left the factory. The automatic seatbelts function as designed. The buyer will benefit from air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, power mirrors, cruise control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, and a premium Mitsubishi audio system with cassette and graphic equalizer powering four speakers. The original carpet and rare factory Conquest logo floor mats are in excellent condition. The interior is smoke-free and smells fresh denoting its properly covered, climate-controlled storage. Overall the interior presentation is hard to fault. The dash is free of cracks, and the leather seating surfaces are supple and do not show signs of previous repair. The remaining upholstered surfaces and plastic tell a similar story. Showing the benefits of a quality car cover, the vehicle is devoid of U.V. damage as most cars of this age have suffered. The rear cargo area is spotless and the original gas struts function well.
As we reflect back on vehicles from the 1980s which have spent quite a spell in the automotive wilderness, many have been largely overlooked by collectors who instead had their collective focus on cars and trucks for the halcyon days of the ’60s and ’70s. There is however a growing band of enthusiasts who have come to recognize that they offer a relatively cost-effective entry into the collector car world. There are a growing number of enthusiasts who couldn’t afford cars like this Conquest TSi when new but are now in a financial position to transform a seemingly forgotten dream into reality. Achieving that dream could be a bid away and I can’t think of a better reason to pursue this Conquest further. Payment is to be made with a cashier’s check or wire transfer from a U.S. banking institution.
Bid On This Auction
- Muller9005 bid $18,000.00 2023-11-28 18:03:29
- Giediprime bid $5,000.00 2023-11-28 09:53:32
- Paul135 bid $2,000.00 2023-11-28 09:08:51
- Davo bid $1,500.00 2023-11-28 06:03:53
Looks great for it’s age. I was never a fan of the Conquest TSi, but this one deserves a 2nd look. Very well maintained.
I think the lines of this car remind me of Origami, but the more I look the more I like. The writer wasn’t exaggerating about the deep shine either. Still, all that black. It needs something to break it up. This could be an affordable way into collectables though. Twenty grand tops? Ten would be the nice price.
My only dislike for these was the “mechanical mouse” seatbelts! This one is a real beauty, and I wouldn’t evict it from my garage! GLWTA!! :-)
They drove me nuts
I bought a 90 Galant VR4 with 35k on the clock. Very nice car, quick, stopped well and roomy. Somewhere around 50k, everytime I hit a big expansion strip at speed (all over the place on Houston hwy’s), the drivers shoulder belt would cycle. Brought it in several times to the dealer who was never able to find that “gremlin”.
Loved this car, back in the day~~
what about smog requirement in California
All smog equipment is present in the engine bay. Included in the sale is a new Top End performance B pipe with correct cat. The exhaust is an N.O.S. HKS cat back exhaust specifically made for this application.
I’m surprised the price isn’t higher already. Waiting towards the end
I owned one of these back in the 90s and it certainly got thumbs up wherever I drove it. Surprisingly it didn’t drive as well as it looked nor did it fit someone over 6 feet. Parts were scarce since it never sold well so that will be a challenge for future owners. I sold my low mileage car for $5k with it’s original $25k window sticker.
I wonder what happened to the original hood, and why it had to be replaced, instead of just repainted?
I am the owner. The original hood is present on the car. Included with the sale is the sought after 1983 scooped hood which was sourced from an original paint California car. It has been painted in the correct single stage paint code black finish.
Whoa. A rebadged Starion. Learn something new every day. Wonder if the new owner will do a Top Gear and bolt a Gr A turbo on.
Included in the sale is a completely rebuilt turbo which has been upgraded internally but keeps the original look.
Just to be clear an 87 is 177hp. Not 188. In 1988 they raised the hp to 188.
188 horse power? I worked at a Chrysler store when those were new. Very fast. A lot tech totaled one. Sure seemed like a lot more power then 188hp. Then again V8s only had 175 hp at the time
Turbocharged,5-speed manual and it has a analog instrument cluster(most of the “Starquests” that I’ve seen had the digital instrument cluster, which was the “in” thing on sports cars at the time. What’s not to like? Plus the rustproofing has helped it survive the past 4 decades. Back then as far as rustproofing you had a choice between Rusty Jones,Ziebart and The Protector! This is a great looking car and it represented Chrysler and Mitsubishi back in the days when both companies knew WTH they were doing! GLWTA
I am the owner- while having the rustproofing is a plus, this car has not seen bad weather. As can be seen in the photos, the bolts are still fresh and not rusty. In the 14 plus years of ownership, she has slept in a climate controlled garage with a high end car cover on her.
What an awesome, unique vehicle in stunning condition. Clearly it’s one of the few of these that’s been well loved, and not driven into oblivion. Hope it goes to a good home, I don’t have room in my garage or I’d be bidding.
Glad to see that a very well kept example of a sporty car with a manual transmission and not the usual automatic that always seems to get preserved.
This one probably has a long way to go from the current high bid of 5K.
These must have been discontinued to make room for the Eclipse / Laser / Talon.
Absolutely beautiful example of this car. Kids from the 80s and 90s are just beginning that stage of life where they’re interested in cars from their youth and have disposable income. The value of this car will only rise. These were very quick cars compared to anything else from 87. Wish I had room.
I had a silver one, I loved it. Couldn’t afford to buy new at the time so I got one 2 years old. The electronics made me crazy
Always liked these. Buddy in high school had a Red one with black leather and the 5spd. His mom had this same car here…black on black 5spd as well…the brother had the plain one…light blue with blue fabric…auto. That Red with the black interior..man what nice car….that was over 30 years ago….😐
$18,000 so far and reserve isn’t met yet. Bidding is going to be brisk for this one!
I am the owner and I did not place any bids-get your facts straight before posting.
Elwin, we take bidding very seriously and check every bidder’s information to ensure they are who they say they are. I checked the high bidder’s information and they are located in Pennsylvania and there doesn’t appear to be any connection between them and the seller.
As for interest in this car, it’s one of the most viewed vehicles currently posted on the site and has over 150 watchers, so I think there’s plenty of interest in it.
A big thank you to the caretaker(s) of this car. As a Gen X’er it’s awesome to see great cars of this era preserved.
I agree that this example is top tier. Values are climbing, get one while you can. While red or blue (and damn, it’s a beautiful blue that was offered on these) might draw a premium, IMO this one deserves all the money.
I don’t understand why this Mitsubishi is rear wheel drive, but the 4 year later 3000 gt sports car is front wheel drive!(transverse motor even with 4wd option). Imagine a front wheel drive corvette.
I own this Conquest, also have a super low mile Stealth R/T TT and an LT4 Corvette. Believe me the Stealth is no Vette…
I mean both the 3000gt(& dodge sister car) & vette(not the current one) have similar long sloping down hoods, so a transverse v8(like caddy northstar in allante) or possibly even a transverse chevy small block could have been fitted to an older vette if the front wheels were moved back more.
Your 4wd TT Stealth is VERY VERY heavy with all the crazy standard gizmos on that thing, compared to a much lighter “stripper” FWD one that could even be had with no antilock brakes or a/c on the early ones!
There WAS a JAPANESE MARKET ONLY twin turbo front drive ONLY 3000gt!
That might be a lot faster than the 4WD that had active aero, 4 wheel steering!, adj suspension, active exhaust, etc!
Different clientele. The Mitsubishi 3000 GT/Dodge Stealth at the time was competing with the Nissan 300 ZX and the Toyota Supra. Plus,with the technology packed in those cars they were ahead of their time. These cars proved that you didn’t need a V8 to have fun,a V6 (or in the Supra’s case an inline 6)can do the job just as well.
Sometimes less is more.
Owned two Conquests TSI’s Red, Black leather, auto, & a Silver with maroon valour, 5spd, with cool at the time, turquoise and magenta pinstripes and turquoise inserts on the wheels! People would roll down their windows at lights, thumbs and compliments and of course what is it? LOVED those cars! Especially the manual, felt a lot faster than the HP would suggest.
I owned and drove an ‘88, silver over red. It was a reliable, quick, and unusual car, and it was pretty fun to drive. Amazing 24 gallon fuel tank was great on road trips; with cruise control and reasonable speed the fuel mileage was good. There is a “black box” ignition module under the hood that was a real problem. It would shut the car off at random. I had it rebuilt-all of the capacitors on the pcb were leaking and there were loose solder connections. At this ask, I would not expect there to be any problems to address, particularly fuel, brakes and tires.
still available????? i want it !!
Is it possible to veiw the car in person?
why has nobody bought this beautiful TSI? is it still for sale?