Captive imports first arrived in the 1950s when Ford and GM brought the Anglia and the Opel, respectively, to the US. But the trend really gained traction in the 1970s when US makers needed a fast response to the success of Japanese automakers. And generally, the go-to solution involved those very competitors that were challenging GM, Ford, and Chrysler. GM paired up with Isuzu and Suzuki, and Chrysler partnered with Mitsubishi. Ford used its own European divisions, bringing us the Capri and the Cortina. Today’s offering is a Mitsubishi Celeste clothed in Plymouth badging, called the Arrow in the US. This example is exceptionally nice after a previous owner spent “thousands” to rebuild many of its components and give it a repaint. The car is advertised on facebook Marketplace, priced at $6990 or offer, and located in Mentor, Ohio. A nod to JDC for highlighting a model rarely seen in good condition these days.
The Arrow was sold as an economy car, with advertising boasting of 39 mpg from its little 1.6-liter four-cylinder. Performance was lethargic, though, with only 80 hp on tap and similarly feeble torque. Fortunately, this one has the five-speed manual gearbox and a new clutch. The carb and brake hoses are also new; the radiator has been re-cored. A new battery and coil keep her starting promptly, and the tires have been replaced as well. For as old as this car is, the engine bay is quite decent. A month of weekends could take it to a new level if you want to show the only Arrow at your local Cars ‘N Coffee.
The aftermarket sunroof is slightly unfortunate – I view these as one more opportunity for water ingress – but it’s not worth trying to put back to stock. The driver’s side seat isn’t fully revealed in any of the photos, but at least what we can see is in great condition. The Arrow was available in three trim levels – base, GS, and GT – with increasingly fancy interior fabrics and accoutrements including a lighted ash tray, a tachometer (GT), and upgraded dash trim. All variants were equipped with a three-spoke steering wheel and bucket seats, striking a sporty vibe.
The Arrow was at least mildly aerodynamic – enough to entice any number of drag racers into building the bodies into Hemi-powered champions. Roy Hill, Bob Glidden, Billy Stepp and his drivers running the “Billy the Kid” car, and several others won heats, broke records, and otherwise dominated NHRA at times. These moments of celebrity helped sell 144,000 Arrows in its five years of production – yet, just try to find one for sale today. On the other hand, who exactly goes hunting for an Arrow? It’s not a make on the radar for most of us, but this example is a great entry-level vintage car, or catnip for collectors who covet ordinary cars in extraordinary condition.
No way! Bob Glidden in a Plymouth? Get out,,,,,tis’ true. Once again I foolishly questioned the author, but in 1979, Chrysler lured Glidden away from Fords, for an undisclosed amount, however, included a new Dodge truck, 5th wheel trailer, spare engines. Turns out, competitors thought they finally had a chance to beat Glidden, but the Arrow was a powerhouse, and he only lost 1 race in 1979 with it. He went back to Fords, but did what Chrysler wanted. I believe it was also Plymouths last hurrah in drag racing. A few years earlier, the Arrow was the choice for funny cars, Bernstein, Prudhomme, Beadle, all used Arrows. A better story is how Chrysler used Harry Nilssons song, “Me and my Arrow”, with little repayment. When Nilsson demanded a Mercedes, instead of a Plymouth, Chrysler eventually gave him one. They were good cars, good, rusty cars.
Mopar’s Direct Connection Division used to offer a Plymouth Arrow V-8 conversion kit. It offered engine mounts, transmission mounts and headers, to turn your Arrow into a street/strip hero.
With a host of other rising classics out there under $10k the operative question is “why” someone would pay almost $7k for a car such as the Arrow that still requires work and does not have any real appeal?
Appreciate the history lesson and as always – a fantastic write up!
I’m sure – as you say – “someone” seeking an entry level spot in the car collecting hobby “might” pick this up and if so good luck to them on being that unique person at the next CAC!