The 600 had a brief six-year stint in Dodge showrooms, but the ES Turbo Convertible variant’s production run was far shorter. The company introduced it in 1984, but low sales volumes saw the last one roll off the line in 1986. Our feature car is 1-of-5,621 built in 1985, which would be the badge’s most successful. Its condition is difficult to fault, with the seller suggesting it would be perfect to drive or show. It is an unmolested survivor listed here on Craigslist in Bridgeville, Pennsylvania. You could drive it away by handing the seller $10,800, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting this stunning survivor.

History shows that the K-Car Platform was the savior for a struggling Chrysler Corporation bordering on bankruptcy. It introduced the concept of greater commonality of components across model ranges, and it was against this backdrop that Dodge introduced its 600 range in 1983. It was based on the E Platform, an extended version of the K-Car underpinnings. Sales figures were not as high as expected, but the ability to share major components with other vehicles meant it still sold at a reasonable profit. The company initially offered only a sedan version, with a Coupe and Convertible joining the party the following year. The ES Turbo Convertible appeared in 1984, with our feature car rolling off the line in 1985. It presents beautifully in Radiant Silver with a Black power top. The paint is consistent across the entire vehicle, with no evidence of patchiness or other problems. The panels are straight, while the exterior and underside shots confirm it is a rust-free survivor. The plastic trim has weathered the past thirty-eight years surprisingly well, and the unique 15″ alloy wheels are free from pitting and stains. The top fits tightly, and its boot looks perfect. The overall presentation makes the seller’s suggestions of show participation look feasible.

The motoring public embraced forced induction technology during the 1980s, and Dodge traded on the ready acceptance by powering the ES Convertible with a turbocharged version of its 2.2-liter four. The normally-aspirated version produced 99hp and 121 ft/lbs of torque, but this engine should pump out 146hp and 168 ft/lbs. Both figures represent a significant and welcome improvement, although buyers had no choice but to order an ES Turbo with a three-speed automatic transmission. The resultant ¼-mile ET of 17.5 seconds wasn’t all that many had hoped for, but the engine’s mid-range power and torque delivery meant it responded surprisingly well once on the move. The seller describes this Convertible as a turnkey classic that runs and drives well. The listing indicates an odometer reading of 36,600 miles, and even though there is no mention of verifying evidence, the car’s condition makes that plausible. Welcome documentation includes the Owner’s Manual, a Shop Manual, and the original Window Sticker.

The 600 ES Turbo Convertible wasn’t merely about performance; it came fully stocked with luxury appointments. The new owner receives Gray leather seat upholstery, ice-cold air conditioning, power windows, power locks, a power driver’s seat, power mirrors, a power trunk release, cruise control, a leather-wrapped tilt wheel, and a premium AM/FM radio and cassette player. The interior condition is all you might expect from a survivor with under 40,000 miles on the clock. There are no signs of wear or abuse and no evidence of aftermarket additions. I can’t spot any damaged plastic, and the acres of faux walnut is in good order. It seems everything works as it should, including the funky digital gauge cluster.

The ES Turbo Convertible offered Dodge 600 buyers range-topping performance and luxury. However, its premium price undermined its sales potential, with only around 40% of buyers prepared to pay the extra 30% to pursue the forced induction path. These cars suffered the fate of many from that era, where they were driven to destruction before making a final, sad journey to the scrapyard. The relative rarity of these cars is reflected in the fact that after more than a decade and thousands of articles, this is only the sixth 600 ES Turbo Convertible we’ve seen at Barn Finds. It is a genuine survivor, and while it is not the cheapest classic on the market, the price isn’t unprecedented. It has only been on the market for a few days, and although I don’t expect it to sell quickly, I believe it will eventually find a new home. Are you tempted to own what could be the best one left?