In 1978, Dodge resurrected the Challenger nameplate that had been retired as a pony car in 1974. This time, it was a captive import from Mitsubishi as Chrysler had a stake in that company. The Japanese-built, rear-wheel-drive car was offered for six model years before being replaced by the front-wheel-drive Daytona. This edition from 1978 is said to have been kept in a warehouse for the past 30 years, so it may not be quite as nice as the seller suggests. And it was listed a year ago, so it may already be gone or has been a stubborn sale. Either way, the asking price in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and here on Facebook Marketplace is just $2,000. Thanks for the tip, Rocco B.
The second-generation Challenger was a rebadged variant of the Mitsubishi Galant Lambda coupe. Plymouth would market their version as the Sapporo. While the cars used the frameless hardtop styling of the original Challenger, they were smaller, lighter, and used more economical engines. The choices were either a 1.6-liter or 2.6-liter inline-4 instead of the V8 engines the nameplate was originally known for. The smaller engine produced 77 hp while the bigger one was good for 105 hp.
We’re told this ’78 Challenger has had just two owners and has been off the road since at least the early 1990s. It’s described as being in “perfect condition,” yet the hood is painted all in primer grey. The rest of the paint looks okay as does the interior which has generous use of plaid fabric that would take getting used to by today’s standards. The indicated odometer reading is 69,000 miles.
No mention is made if the car is in running condition. So, given its presentation and dormancy, I would think not, hence explaining the cheap wheels price. Originally the asking amount was $3,000 and then dropped to $2,000. If the car is still available, the seller would entertain trading for an SUV or smaller pickup, at least a year ago. Will these captive imports ever be considered collectible?
Those are some fancy headers on there. By the looks I’m guessing it’s the 2.6 which makes this one a Hemi! Something you could definitely get back on the road as a interesting daily driver. Not sure how many thumbs up you will get though. Not many people would know what you are driving.
Only if I could get it for $500, and then entertain a supercharger or the like, and then drive at full-throttle for as long as possible.
This is when we first gen challenger owners go the corner and get real quiet.
Imagine the horror when classic Charger owners
saw the next 3 gens!!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dodge_Charger#Fourth_generation:_1975%E2%80%931978
& i still can not beLIEVE that the 2006 onward are 4 doors & that since 2006 they reFUSE to offer a 2 door – even if they used the same front door as the 4 door & just replaced the rear door with a hunk of metal, for crying out loud! lol
Not even that, just leave big open holes where the doors would be. I’ve been saying for 15 years now that Dodge should at least announce that as their April Fools’ thing.
Always thought these had wonderful dashes, esp for the time. Omnis and Horizons had elcheapo dashes, I always wanted them to have this (oh yes, and better door handles) This particular car looks to have had a rough life. Too bad, pretty nice car back in the day but I recall the head gaskets sometimes blew like on the 2.2 turbos.
I’ve always had a liking for these MitsuPars as one of my first cars was a Plymouth Arrow. These challengers, and especially the Technica submodel were pretty cool. I’m not looking for any projects so I’m out, but hopefully someone will bring it back
Liked ’em then, still do. Bought my ’13 GTI, in part , for the plaid seats ;)
I would think Mitsubishi tuners would be all over this for modern engine swap.
Perfect condition, I can’t say I see that. For some reason there is no front end photo. Hmm let’s see primer hood, header, younger owner and some rough driving. Have any idea where you might find the front seat upholstery? Looked sharp new for the era. Perfect condition don’t think so.
Found this ad when he was in Houston. Some other photos are in this one. https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/2704661573140574/
If this car is perfect, so is my hair, and I’m bald.
That being said, I’d drive this thing. Looks like a fun throwback car.
Former co-worker had one and he was always late for work due to the car breaking down constantly. Unknown if owner neglect or just poor quality.
These were good little cars. I had a 79 one, and I did not drive it kindly. It just wouldn’t break. I sold it in 87 when I moved overseas for a few years and had no where to keep it. At 142,000 miles, it had a weak clutch but otherwise ran like new. In looks, it closely resembled the Mustang of that era. This is the first one I’ve seen come up for sale.
Bought a Sapporo insurance salvage car years ago for $200 to part out. Turned out to be a really clean car that had run over something way too big. Replaced the tranny pan and a couple minor patch and fixes, and Viola’. I was surprised at how nice car ITV was. Not sure what a “Sapporo” is, but at least it wasn’t named as a rolling insult to actual Challengers. Thanks
These also were available with the twin stick option. Owned a 79 Plymouth Champ with it. Lots of fun!
My uncle had one of these. It had a counterbalanced 4 banger and ran very smoothly. The Mitsubishi Jet I think the badge on the engine said.
These were not bad cars. THe worst that can be said is that Dodge might have named it something else.
It’s great to see one with the interior that is featured in one of my favorite car ads.
In 1978 I bought my ’71 340 Duster off a guy who had purchased one of these cars brand new. What a letdown that had to be.
These were not horrible cars, just horrible Challengers. Even with the 3 valve heads and balance shafts, the 2.6 “hemi” motor in his car still seemed to put out a lot of vibration.
I get why Chrysler sold these captive imports. It took them a while to figure out how to build anything remotely similar domestically. I just wish they hadn’t soiled one of the greatest nameplates in automotive history in the process.
I never heard of or seen one of these..maybe they didn’t sell many or any on the east coast of Canada. Seen lots of the newer front wheel drive chargers dont recall any challenger until the most recent ones so maybe that’s a good thing. Anything small and rear wheel drive I’d of noticed I think like the old supra and celica or even the monza vega and pinto so was anyone dropping v8’s in these like everything else or were they not worth the hassle.? I really like the look of the interior and not a bad looking car over all I definitely would ot bought up a used one if I’d ever seen one. Rear wheel drives were getting harder to find in the 80s as every car was becoming Fwd