Some enthusiasts experience a form of barely concealed horror at the thought of the Daytona and Shelby names being attached to anything but a classic with a rumbling V8 under the hood. However, that was a reality in the 1980s as Dodge released the Daytona Shelby Z. This 1987 model is an unmolested survivor with only minor cosmetic needs. It runs and drives well, and the included spare motor will be welcomed by many. The Daytona is listed here on eBay in Lansford, Pennsylvania. Bidding sits below the reserve at $5,600.
Dodge launched the Daytona in 1983 for the 1984 model year. It featured a crisp and modern appearance that has aged relatively gracefully in the ensuing years. It underwent a facelift in 1987, with the most notable change being the inclusion of pop-up headlights. This Daytona emerged during that model year, with its original owner ordering it in dazzling Flash Red. Its overall presentation is good for its age, although it has suffered the typical paint deterioration on the nose and rear spoiler. Manufacturers were still wrestling with the consistent aging of painted plastic and metal surfaces during the 1980s, and issues of this type impacted most Daytonas exposed to UV rays. The remaining paint shines nicely, the panels are straight, and this classic is rust-free. The seller has the original pouches for the T-Top panels, and the lack of interior water damage confirms the seals are in good order. The trim and glass show no problems, and the alloy wheels are spotless.
New to the Daytona range for 1987 was the Shelby Z package. It brought cosmetic and interior equipment upgrades, but the best news for performance enthusiasts was hidden below the hood. The engine bay houses a turbocharged 2.2-liter four-cylinder powerhouse producing 174hp and 200 ft/lbs of torque. Those ponies feed to the front wheels via a heavy-duty five-speed manual transaxle, with Chrysler incorporating components from industry-leading Getrag to cope with the additional strain. Front-wheel-drive cars hadn’t previously enjoyed a strong reputation as ¼-mile performers, but this classic’s ability to complete the journey in 15.4 seconds was considered fairly impressive. However, the Daytona Shelby Z was more than a “point-and-squirt” proposition. If the driver kept the pedal to the metal, that four would run out of puff with the needle nudging 139mph. The company paid attention to the car’s suspension, fitting upgraded components, and four-wheel disc brakes to create a “total” package. This is a turnkey classic, with the seller confirming it runs and drives smoothly. They include Service Manuals, boxes of spares, and an additional engine as part of the deal.
If I were to pick a highlight with this Daytona, its interior would probably win that award. It has suffered none of the typical wear or deterioration problems that afflict cars from this era. Describing it as showroom-fresh would stretch credibility. However, it should still receive favorable comments on the street or at a Cars & Coffee. The Pale Gray vinyl and cloth upholstered surfaces are excellent, with the heavily bolstered front seats worthy of particular mention due to the lack of outer edge wear. The carpet is slightly dirty under the driver’s feet, but it might respond positively to a deep clean. The dash and console are excellent, there is no crumbling plastic, or aftermarket additions. I spotted a missing speaker grille on the passenger door, but a scramble around the local pick-a-part might unearth a replacement. The seller has replaced many of the major air conditioning components and is awaiting a single hose on back-order before the system is complete and ready for a recharge. They indicate the speedometer occasionally goes out to lunch, and the power mirror switches can be finicky. Otherwise, the power driver’s seat, power windows, power locks, tilt wheel, and AM/FM radio/cassette player work as they should.
Dodge produced 7,152 examples of the Daytona Shelby Z in 1987, rising slightly to 7,850 in 1988. The company dropped the variant in 1989, and how many survive is unclear. The type of deterioration experienced by many may have seen a few consigned to the scrapyard, but this car has avoided that fate. It has received twenty-five bids, and I expect that total to rise before the listing ends. However, I would be amazed if the price went above $12,000. If you are searching for a relatively affordable 1980s classic, I think you could do far worse than this survivor. Are you tempted?
Dodge introduced the Daytona Shelby Turbo Z in ’85. We bought a fully loaded ’86 and it was quite a car. We pulled 142 out of it on a long stretch in 40 degree weather and, as stated, it did get off the line with vigor. The leather seats were some of the best we’ve ever had. Sold it way to soon but we were in a cross country move with too many cars. Very nice example here.
Blow the picture up (2 clicks) and you’ll see the small CS just behind the front wheel opening. The ’86s were the only models that I remember seeing that on.
I had an ’87 Turbo. These cars are fast (relatively speaking, for the time) and fun. The first time you replace the head gasket, use a really good one. I’d love to have this car.
Great.. and i mean great seats 💺, high top-end speed. 2 excellent GT automobile qualities. Love that shifter too. 😎
Had an ’86 Shelby Charger Turbo and yes, that 2.2 was a potent Lil motor.
It wasn’t as fast as the end of the series GLHS with the all black and blacked out Shelby graphics on it and the number plate signed by Ol Shelby himself.
The bodies on these Daytonas were sleek and very sharp.
Many folks fail to mention all the accoutrement that Chryco put into these vehicles.
I don’t see many around, seen my old Shelby in its Santa Fe Blue with silver graphics online. Miss that car. Had lots of great memories in it.
One you don’t see that often is the Chrysler Lazer Or the Lazer in it’s rare XT form. T tops, all leather and the digital dash made you feel you were in space.
If I had the space and the green I’d snap this gem up.