Rare Turbo: 1987 Isuzu Impulse RS Turbo

This 1987 Isuzu Impulse presents extremely well for a classic of this vintage, and is the rare, desirable RS Turbo variant. It has been meticulously maintained, making it more than a pretty face. It might not be what many would consider to be a genuine hot hatch, but its performance was considered very respectable when the vehicle was shiny and new. The seller has listed this RS Turbo here on eBay in Costa Mesa, California. They set their BIN at $14,990 with the option to make an offer.

Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro at Italdesign, the Isuzu Piazza was released in 1981. The company brought the car to the North American market in 1983, where it wore Impulse badges. Many similar cars from Japanese manufacturers emerged during this era, but I believe that the Impulse has aged better and more gracefully than most. As a 1987 RS Turbo, this car is finished in a shade called Pure White. Other variants in the ’87 Impulse range wore different colors, but every RS Turbo left the line in Pure White. The current owner has been the car’s custodian for thirty-two years, and the indications are that they have cherished this classic. The paint holds a warm shine, cloaking panels that look as straight as an arrow. The Isuzu’s location means that rust isn’t an issue, and the color-matched wheels appear free from stains and physical damage. With crystal clear glass and spotless trim, this Impulse is a cosmetic winner.

Lifting the hood brings us to the heart of what makes this Impulse special. The engine bay houses a 1,994cc four-cylinder engine. That doesn’t sound exciting, but Isuzu bolted on a turbocharger and an intercooler and performed other upgrades. The result was an engine that developed an extremely healthy 140hp and 166 ft/lbs of torque. Unlike most hot hatches from this era, the Impulse sends its power to the rear wheels, making it an excellent “driver’s” car. Every example of the RS Turbo featured a five-speed manual transmission and significant suspension upgrades to improve the handling. The listing indicates that the seller has recently spent a considerable sum on this Impulse, and every task was designed to ensure the buyer slips behind the wheel of a turnkey classic. They rebuilt the steering and suspension, replaced the tires, fitted a new battery and radiator hoses, and performed a complete service. That list is the tip of the iceberg, providing the buyer with genuine peace of mind. The seller mentions minor fluid weeping from the transmission, differential, and steering rack. However, the underside photos confirm that there isn’t a torrent, allowing the buyer to attend to these minor faults at their leisure. It appears that flying in and driving home is a realistic option for the new owner.

The Impulse RS Turbo commanded a premium price, and Isuzu ensured that buyers received plenty of creature comforts for their money. The list included air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, heavily bolstered seats with unique trim, cruise control, and an AM/FM radio/cassette player with a separate graphic equalizer and integrated power meter. One interesting practice during this era was a move by some manufacturers to relocate crucial controls from the steering column to pods mounted on either side of the instrument binnacle. The concept seemed great in theory, but some owners found the feature slightly cumbersome. These pods can also be prone to squeaking, not something an owner expects from a premium model. This Impulse’s interior is completely original, with no aftermarket additions. The Gray cloth upholstery shows no evidence of wear, and the pale carpet doesn’t appear to be stained. The plastic hasn’t deteriorated or cracked, suggesting that the owner has protected the vehicle from long-term UV exposure.

This 1987 Isuzu Impulse RS Turbo is an extremely tidy survivor. It has only a few very minor needs, with the listing suggesting its owner has meticulously maintained the car to the highest standards. That will allow the buyer to slip behind the wheel, confident that, when they set out on any journey, they will easily reach their destination. Isuzu produced only around 1,800 examples of the ’87 RS Turbo, but is its relative rarity and overall condition enough to convince you to give this one a new home?