There are rare vehicles that seemingly beat the odds rather consistently when it comes to survival rate. The ASC McLaren, Chrysler TC by Maserati, and seemingly every hot hatch Mopar blessed by Carroll Shelby. With limited production numbers that were genuinely limited, it amazes me to still see project-grade examples like this 1987 Shelby CSX listed here on Facebook Marketplace still show up for sale. The CSX is one of about 750 units made, and the seller is asking $4,950.
In addition to the limited production numbers, the fact that so many Shelby-blessed Dodge products like this one have survived is also impressive because this is a very basic economy car underneath. In other words, the Dodge Shadow it’s based on wasn’t built to a particularly high level of quality. But if a group of enthusiasts is passionate enough, it’s certainly possible that they will repeatedly go out and save any example of an otherwise obscure enthusiast vehicle that they can. I suspect this is what keeps so many left-for-dead Shelby Mopars alive: enthusiasts who keep them stashed away, either as future parts rigs for their own car or to sell whole to a fellow enthusiast. It’s encouraging to see the Shelby steering wheel still installed.
The Shelby CSX is powered by a turbocharged inline-4 that was rated at Turbo II specs. This means it produces around 175 b.h.p. and can sprint to 60 miles per hour in 7 seconds. Of course, Shelby’s improvements went far deeper, including upgraded suspension components, sticky tires, unique body kit and “saw blade” wheels, special badges, a Shelby signature on the dash, and more. These bits are all more or less a requirement to anyone who is looking to make this into a running car again, as it can be a nuisance to try and track those pieces down if they’ve been lost or removed. Fortunately, the seller’s CSX retains many, if not all, of these critical components.
As you can see, this is car number 236, and it’s great to see small details like this dash plaque haven’t been lost. The seller notes the Shelby comes with a clean title but of course, is not running. While these are rare specimens and properly upgraded by the Shelby team, their values haven’t exploded in recent years like other 1980s hot hatches. It remains an accessible tuner car with genuine performance credentials and a connection to one of the automotive industry’s greats. I’d grab one now if I were a Mopar man, or simply looking to get into a special car from a bygone era.
These had a pretty wild top end mph also if I recall. 🏁 Fun little cars bigtime. 👍
Survival may be based on those who bought them and knew what they were and others who did not and ignored them all together. Cool little Dodge.
I have had more than a fair share of the Shelby Dodge cars including the following: 86 Omni GLHS; 87 Shelby Lancer; and 89 CSX VNT in the past. I currently own a 90 Turbo Van with a 5 speed trans, and an 85 GLH that has been pumped up (i.e. 2.5, intercooler, 568 trans with a quaiffe). I can attest to the fun factor of these cars. Never had an 87 CSX, and this one is tempting, particularly since it is located less than 15 miles from me.
Please go and save it! It certainly deserves it, and you are the perfect savior.
Do it, man.
These were quick little cars for the time. If most of the original components are there hopefully someone can get this rare car back on the road again.
the 2nd sentenance is confusing (in it’s intent) does it need a verb MrLavery? I cant write at all… Anyway,
“…With limited production numbers that were genuinely limited,…” There were only 750 or these cars made, the CSX meaning Carroll Shelby eXperimental, was offered as a three or five door hatchback. The design was to blend the utility of the Japanese hatch with the merican wish for their more traditional want (so blended in some K-car looks w/trunk line integrated).
I once had an 87 142HP turbo Daytona past 140MPH, I can not imagine how much faster this one must be. The Daytona was a much better looking car, this one seems a little frumpy.