Over the years, there have been any number of tales about enthusiasts rescuing rare cars from the merciless hands of the local scrap yard. How many of them are true is anybody’s guess, but it sure is thought-provoking to think about truly special cars being needlessly thrown away (see “Cash for Clunkers” debacle). This Sheby Lancer here on eBay is tired cosmetically, but remains largely intact with its rare Shelby bits attached. 

In cases like this, I tend to believe the seller because I feel an enthusiast would have absolutely shanked the Shelby steering wheel, the Shelby alloy wheels, the Shelby valve cover, etc., etc. The fact that all of those bits remain attached makes its more likely just some ordinary Jane or Joe used this Shelby Lancer for commuting purposes and could have cared less what parts were left behind when they decided to junk it. The seats are torn up and the door panels aren’t perfect, but those are cosmetic fixes that can be addressed later.

The Lancer came with a Shelby-tuned Turbo II 2.2 Liter Intercooled SOHC four-cylinder with 175 b.h.p. and 175 lbs.-ft. of torque. Somewhat ominously, the seller comes right out and says, “It will need motor work.” Whatever does that mean – a headgasket? An oil change? We might even go out on a ledge and say that whatever work is needed could be the reason behind this Shelby hatchback going to the junker, though the seller does acknowledge that with fresh gas and a battery, it fired right up. Perhaps its mechanical issues aren’t terminal in nature.

The paint is faded in multiple places and some of the dash trim is broken. The Lancer will need its front seats recovered, or you could choose to drive this one as-is. Address the mechanical shortcomings, freshen up the suspension and live with the sun-bleached paint. As a California car, it likely has no rust, making this one an ideal candidate for restoration while driving. Bur first, make sure those engine issues referenced by the seller are disclosed with greater detail.