There’s potentially a serious diamond in the rough with this rare, project-grade 1987 Dodge Shelby CSX up for grabs in Hayward, California. This is the first year model of Carroll Shelby’s “Experimental” project (hence, CSX), and it was a serious performer right out of the box. Later years incorporated even more improvements, but in general, these Shelby-tuned econoboxes are beneath the radar of most everyone aside from turbo Mopar collectors. Could that be changing? We’ll have to see how long this one stays posted here on craigslist for $2,900, with the seller noting he’s thrown lots of new parts at it.
The first year turbo Shadows were the most dramatic departure from the standard model, with a thoroughly massaged Turbo I engine under the hood, upgraded suspension, wheels, and tires, revised bodywork, and several cosmetic enhancements. This example does look like it’s been neglected for a while, as it’s missing all but one of the original Shelby wheels and the paint is heavily faded with clearcoat burned right off. It’s sure been sitting outside for sometime, baking under the California sun. The good news is that it appears to retain all of the original aero enhancements courtesy of the Shelby body kit.
The early models stuck with standard bucket seats out of the Shadow; if you wanted the rare Recaros with Shelby script embedded in the cloth, you have to look for one of the elusive final year models. Still, you did get the Momo-style steering wheel and Carroll Shelby shift knob, both of which amazingly remain with this car. The interior is quite tattered and it’d make more sense to just chuck those seats out and swap in some Recaros, albeit not likely the ones that came from the factory. The seller doesn’t tell us much about the interior, but it seems unlikely the air conditioning still works.
The rear license plate is an old-school California design, which gives us some idea as to how long this CSX has been off the road. The seller has installed or replaced the following parts: radiator, fuel pump, sender unit, fuel filter, water pump, and brake pads and calipers. Those are basic must-dos after a car has been sitting for some time, so at least that much work has been done. There’s a lot more work to be done, especially if you’re the type who likes their cars with perfect cosmetics – but given how hard these cars are to find, I’d like to see all of them saved that are worthy. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Shervin for the find.
I had a 84 Shelby Charger, by 86 the dealers didn’t even want them back, I tried to trade it on a new truck. They just laughed. For this one here all I can say is ….. I GOT A DOLLAR.
I had the 83 Shelby charger.
Interesting car. Though I’d prefer the Omni GLHS, if I weren’t in FLA I’d be interested in this, very interested. Not a vintage Mustang GT500, definitely not a Cobra but Shelby was involved in the hot rodding of K cars and this is a way to get into a Shelby without home mortgage type money, maybe the only way.
My parents bought a 87 Shadow turbo new and once the excessive turbo lag would dissipate it would really move for a car in 1987. The car as a whole was every bit a POS as all Mopars of that era.
Run don’t walk from these cars
To get this in decent shape you’d be WAY underwater. Best to just enjoy it until finishes self-destructing.
I had a 1988 Shelby CSX turbo. I absolutely loved that car. Alas, I had to sell it but it went to an owner that has really taken great care of it. When I sold it, it was in excellent condition but it has been improved on, like an intercooler for the turbo. I never had any real problems with the car when I had it. If I was about 10 years younger, I would take this project on in a heartbeat.
I’ve got one of these. It’s an important piece of Shelby history and with only 750 ever produced, it would be worth it for someone to grab up and restore. Most people don’t know these Shadow Shelbys exist so it would be an excellent piece at a car show or weekend trip around the neighborhood.
Admitting the 3000$ price point for it’s current state is a bit high. Offer it for a grand and somebody will restore this to it’s once glorious form.
When I was in high school in the 90s, my friend had one of these. We’d cruise it and street race. It was a blast.
If he lost we’d go get my car. I had a SSEi Bonneville. Good times…
I sold these sleds when they were new, the torque steer was uncontrollable, the rubbery shifter prevented spirited gear changes. This no diamond in the rough flying under anyone’s radar junk when new and eorse junk now
The plate is from 1993 or early 1994 so considering the fact that the car is a 1987 model, it really has no significance like the write up implies.
If this runs – doesn’t specifically say – this would be 3K of pure fun. Drive it now, restore / upgrade as you go.
Shelby Chryslers are NOT the same as the regular Chrysler econoboxes that they are based on. Turbo lag – yes, rubbery shifter – yes, crappy build quality – check, but that’s part of the equation when looking at late 80’s cars.