Chrysler had a long-standing relationship with Mitsubishi, which also included an ownership stake. Beginning in the 1970s, Chrysler would often sell captive imports built by Mitsubishi in Japan. One of these cars was the Starion, which was most commonly known in the U.S. as the Conquest by all three of Chrysler’s major brands. This 1988 edition of the Conquest is buried alive in a garage and is being sold as a parts car. One of the stipulations is that you have to help dig it out. Located in Parker, Colorado, this Mitsu-Mopar is available here on craigslist for $1,000.
The Starion was a turbocharged (2.6-liter inline-4) fastback sporty car built from 1982 to 1989. Besides the turbo, the cars also came with electronic fuel injection. Though Dodge, Plymouth and Chrysler dealers sold the car at one time or another, the Chrysler-badged versions were marketed for the last three years in production, including the seller’s version which has a 5-speed manual transmission.
This machine may be finished in its original San Marino Yellow paint and the photos show a more than decent interior. But it will not be sold with a title (which the seller has) because the odometer reading was tampered with by a prior owner. Bring your work gloves with you to help excavate the Chrysler from its perch. No indication is made as to when it last ran and you’d better hurry as the seller already has a buyer lined up for this parts car.
This, the Stealth, the Talon and a few others from that co-op were pretty good cars (and trucks) for their time if we overlook the attempted coverup of the recalls.
One of our autocross guys, an engineer, rebuilt his Mitsubishi Max with underpinnings and drivetrain with Eclipse bits. Very fast truck.
Kind of curious that the seller has the title but won’t relinquish it because of a previous owner odo tamper. Even if this were bought as a parts car I’d get a VIN check (hiddenVIN’s especially) before buying it!
Pretty much all of these are “parts cars”.
Seller sounds like a heavy user of Colorado’s leading herbal muscle relaxant.
I’ve had a couple of these, one this color with saddle tan interior, super nice car.
I was invited to the SEMA show, a 5+ hour drive.
Had the Conquest, an 05 GTO, and a ‘91 Corvette ZR-1.
Took the Conquest, more fun to cruise and it didn’t even have a working stereo at the time!
I’d be tempted at 1k but it sounds like it’s sold…
Mitsubishi. The garbage bin of the Japanese auto industry.
Hmmm, spoken from experience?
I’m in my late sixties; have owned over 100 vehicles in the past fifty years.
Mostly GM but a few MOPARS and even a couple Fords. Seven Mitsubishi’s including 5 full size Montero’s and 2 Conquest’s. Still have a 98 Montero and it’s one of the most versatile and dependable vehicles I’ve owned, and never had a problem with the other six.
Granted, we live in a “what have you done for me lately” world, but perhaps a comment that isn’t constructive should be better left unsaid…
I’ve been around cars my entire life. A little younger than you ,but knew many who thought they got a great deal on a Mitsu, only to be severely disappointed by the build quality of these fine automobiles. I knew better than to buy one. And perhaps you don’t decide what, or what I don’t say.
I agree with Big C, from experience working 35 years in auto repair Mitsubishi doesn’t compare to Toyota, Nissan/Datsuns..
This and the Premier Colt with the turbo engine and A008 Yokohamas punched way above their weight. Especially the inter cooled version. For 1986 these represented performance.
I have a white 87 SHP one. Has a 370ci Turbo LS. Its a fun street car ;-). Made 643/735 on pump93
Ive got an 88 Dodge Raider got it for free in Florida beat to death carbed 4 cylinder 5 speed, its quirky but reliable the tranny leaks oil into the transfer case so i park it nose down on a hill. Its a fun snow vehicle on the few times a year it snows but ive pulled out alot of people that slid into ditches trying to make it up hill parallel to my property. The motor has 93k miles doesnt like 5th gear runs ok but really gutless. But for free ill keep it.