When we talk about vintage European sports cars or fire-breathing muscle cars, the reaction is usually the same: it’s a an impressive specimen, and one that demands our respect. And while these cars certainly deserve the admiration they receive, it’s just as impressive when an obscure 1980s hot hatch somehow survives largely unscathed with all of its near-impossible-to-find bits still attached. This 1987 Chevrolet Sprint Turbo listed here on craigslist is practically made of fairy dust at this point, and it’s offered for sale for $10,000.
Everything you see here, from the rear bumper apron to the side skirts to the color-matched wheel covers are made of unobtanium. Seriously, if you crack one of these pieces, you had better hope there is a local 3-D printer who is willing to help you out with re-creating what you will never find. While a Ferrari 328 or Porsche 911 owner can find someone who has the missing part in their basement stash of valuable hardware, good luck finding another enthusiast who has kept spares for a turbocharged Sprint in their garage. It’s just not going to happen. This is a case where the survivor description is entirely accurate.
The Sprint Turbo featured a 1.0-liter turbocharged and intercooled inline-three engine, which sounds incredibly puny until you consider its curb weight: just 1,600 pounds. To put it bluntly, this is more than light enough for its measly 70 horsepower to feel absolutely monstrous. The interior also got some special features in the form of unique colors and bucket seats, both of which are in shockingly nice condition. Let’s face it, underneath this Chevy is a very cheap Suzuki, so nothing here was built to last outside of the drivetrain. This Sprint somehow found an owner who endeavored to restore it, which is likely the first time this model has ever been treated this well.
The listing notes the “restoration” included a respray, new upholstery, removing/restoring the dash, and adding what is apparently a rare optional accessory in the form of a power hatch (no, it doesn’t go up by itself – there’s a button that pops it open. Luxury!) While I love oddballs like these, it is truly a committed owner that sets about refreshing a car like this that was once intended to be the cheapskate’s option for a performance-oriented hot hatch. You love to see that cars like this still exist, which undoubtedly are down to a few hundred (or less) still in existence. Would you pay $10,000 for the nicest Sprint Turbo in existence? Thanks to Barn Finds reader Rocco B. for the tip.
Wow!!!! I have to say, this is probably one of, if not the nicest Sprint Turbos around. I honestly don’t remember seeing these on the road. But my memory of one is from a Car magazine my Mom bought for me when I was sick. ( She always did that for me, thanks Mom!!!) I always thought this was a great idea. And like Jeff said, on paper it may not seem like much, but these things are very light. I’d imagine a lot of fun to drive. Problem is, I’d be afraid to drive it, if something happened, you’d be hard pressed to find parts for it. Thank you for the great memories Jeff. I’d forgotten all about these.
(whistles) a turbo, oh boy. From a time when manufacturers were turbocharging everything from lawn mowers to, well, this. Not mentioned, this car morphed into the incredibly popular Geo Metro, same motor, no hair dryer though, and a by all accounts, a good motor, with Geos I’ve seen with hundreds of thousands of miles. Believe it or not, these were actually a good seller, almost 65,000 in 1987, and previous Vega drivers were happy. Not sure a turbo is really needed, not like the added performance was essential, these got incredible mileage without one, into the 40s, easy, and marketed as such, not for performance. I’d have to think the turbo would be less, having your foot in it all the time. It’s an okay find, not sure for who, however. Apparently someone thought enough of one. I think they may be underwater on this one.
Pocket rocket 🚀
These are a blast to drive!! Torque steer and all!!
As Stan said…Pocket Rocket!!
I drove one once on my friends wedding. I was the best man and the maid of honor had one. She asked me to drive as she was was in her gown and these were not like driving big block by any means, but it would get up and scoot! On the way to the reception 5 adults wedged in the little car and performance sure dropped off. All in all I suppose it was a luke warm hatch. Fun day though!
Even with the turbo it’s no more powerful than the 745cc 3-banger in my BMW motorcycle (also an ’87). So more of a warm hatch than a hot one. Still, this should be in a museum.
At a dealership explains the higher price for this $5,000 dollar car. Add says its been fully restored leaves me wondering why anyone would spend the time and money to restore it I can understand if you find a low mileage one tucked away and bring it back to life but a full restoration leaves me questioning the mileage and what they actually did to it and called it restored.