Rad Red Ride: 1985 Dodge Shelby Charger

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Sometimes when iconic names are used on newer and smaller cars it causes some turmoil within the car community. Even though there is still a bit of grumbling every time a 1970s muscle car fanatic hears about a 1980s Dodge Charger, Dodge had a hit on its hands. This 1985 Dodge Shelby Charger can be found here on eBay in Jacksonville, Florida. There is an unmet $2,500 opening bid and no reserve after that.

This car looks great in a few of the photos but it needs a little help overall to bring it back to where it should be. It sounds like the seller is relisting it due to a deadbeat bidder. I’ve been there and it isn’t cheap to run an auction and have some clown not follow through, it costs both time and money, neither of which you get back. It’s being sold by a Shelby collector who is cutting back on everything but two cars. I’d love to know what other cars they have!

1985 is when Dodge and Carroll Shelby’s team kicked things up a notch or three by adding multi-point fuel-injection and a Garrett AiResearch T3 turbocharger which upped the horsepower by about 30%. The seller mentions that this car has a few small dings and dents and there is a rust spot on the driver’s side rear quarter and a smooth dent on the other side. They have included a boatload of fantastic, over and detail photos here, check them out for a detailed account of this little road-burner.

The interior looks great in this car, those seats are killer! This car has had an absolute ton of work done on it right down to taking apart the instrument cluster and resoldering the connections to make sure that it works great. The rear compartment looks like new as does most of the interior and it would be enough room for most people who don’t think that they need to buy the biggest SUV and carry everything they own with them at all times.

This is the heart of this little beast, Chrysler’s 2.2L inline-four turbo with 146 hp. That may not sound like much but a 7.5-second 0-60 time is pretty respectable even today let alone 34 years ago. This engine has a new timing belt, new plugs, a new starter, a new distributor cap, new O rings on the fuel injectors. It also has a new thermostat and the vacuum lines were repaired and replaced. A brand new passenger side CV joint was installed and much more. Have any of you owned a Dodge Shelby Charger turbo?

 

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Comments

  1. bobhess bobhessMember

    Bought a black on black, fully loaded ’86 for my wife’s grocery cart. 140 mph, comfortable, and fun. The 140 came from retuning the ems but it was fast before that. Good quality build.

    Like 7
  2. Bakyrdhero

    I’m a fan of these cars. I can’t let the steering wheel go though..one of the ugliest ever built.

    Like 3
  3. OIL SLICK

    Love the steering wheel on these cars. 7.6 is not a respectable 0-60 time these days. Even a Peeus would spank this thing.

    Like 2
    • Rx7turboII

      Electric Prius vs. Gasoline Charger = not even comparable. It’s respectable today like he said. Apples/oranges

      Like 11
    • 63Comet

      I agree it’s respectable today. Many cars, esp smaller ones for commuting, are in the 8-9 second range to 60. The Mitsubishi Mirage takes 10 (!). So OK even for today.

      Like 1
  4. Howard A. Howard AMember

    Caused some turmoil?? It was a downright slap in the face,,however, name aside, from experience, the turbo adds 50hp to the stock 4 banger. I had a Plymouth minivan with a turbo (2.5?) had all the steam of a V6. Cut the gas mileage down considerable, and loved oil ( 1/4 every other day) but it would go. I’d never want another turbo anything, that’s for sure.

    Like 4
  5. SC/RAMBLER

    Love these especially in Black. Co-worker had one wrecked it driving drunk what a shame. When living in Florida I took one of these for a test drive, couldn’t get used to rubbery feel of shifter. First front wheel drive I ever drove. Quick little car had fun trying to get a Corvette to race light to light. That was back in early 90s.

    Like 3
  6. Lynn DockeyMember

    Run away. Now.

    Like 1
  7. Johnny Cuda

    I had a 1985 Dodge 600 Turbo coupe. Automatic tranny. We had it for 14 years, and loved it. A nice civilized automobile. When I mashed the gas, a slight lag and then wow, better hold onto the steering wheel! The Boston area winters did a number on the wheel-wells and floors.

    Like 0
  8. Superdessucke

    2,500 starting bid and 0 action? Good lord. Can one of you deep pockets who can spend 9 grand on a rusty base 67 Camaro throw this poor little wretched thing a little love? C’mon!

    Like 2
  9. Superdessucke

    Not a single bid at a mere 2.5k start. I know ’80s cars are cold but I didn’t think This cold! Either the market really doesn’t like these or something is wrong with this. Anybody know? I was thinking of getting one of these or a GLH because I pretty much can’t afford anything else now but I’m not sure that’s such a good idea now.

    Like 0
  10. Phillip

    $900.00 is what I would give for it.Considering the work that would have to be done to it.

    Like 0

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