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.
As for Bob Glidden. Everyone makes a mistake, some times! I once bought a Chevy truck!
Hi Big C.. what was wrong with the Chevy you had, and what year was it? My dad had two and I’ve owned one (all were ’65 and earlier) and they were all good trucks.. other than the rust issues with my ’53 anyway. I’m also looking to get a 70s K10 and with the 350 it looks really good to me.
An ’82 C-20 with the infamous 305. Motor was shot at 90k. The transmission went soon after. Put a new transmission in her right before the frame broke, pulling my friends 442 back to his house.
Mopar’s Direct Connection Division used to offer a Plymouth Arrow V-8 conversion kit. It used to offer the engine mounts, transmission mounts and headers to turn your Arrow into a proper street/strip hero.
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.
Yes! There was such a beast running around in my neck of the woods (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Eh!) when I was in high school.
It won a lot of races as no one thought it could be fast LoL
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!
An Arrow was my first car. Pretty forgettable on the whole, and not something I’d repeat, especially at this price.
A good friend bought one of these in blue
He wasn’t easy on his equipment
I remember jumping a local creek bridge doing 60…
Good Times!
Am I completely old or did they actually have a commercial where they used the song from the animated feature, “me and my arrow” Please only respond if they did indeed use the song, otherwise, please keep it zipped🙄
You mean this?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dg_c8WVTq0o
Economical Arrow ⛽️
They did!
You are correct, they did have that song. As a matter of fact, when I saw this on the scroll here , that’s what I was singing to myself, lol.
You are correct, they did have that song. As a matter of fact, when I saw this on the scroll here , that’s what I was singing to myself, lol.
Had brought my newly purchased 1980 Dodge Colt into the dealership for some slight body and paint repair from a parking lot mishap. They gave me a new Fire Arrow as a loaner. I was impressed with the performance of the 2.6 litre and the racy looks. Too bad it was like driving around in a tin can though. Was glad to get back the Colt.
Here’s a period ad for the Fire Arrow.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3T8IE5yySE
My parents bought a ’77 Arrow GT when I was 5. Copper with the tri-color(?) stripes down the side, 5-speed, white interior. My dad kept it until I was 13, but I thought it was fantastic. Of course, I was a kid, maybe my memory is skewed. I’d have one again if it was the right car, for the right price, and I had room, none of which are true here, unfortunately. I like it though.
In some years, the Arrow had a “performance” decal package that was anything but subtle. There was also an Arrow pickup, complete with the same front end. Depending on the year, some were also called Dodge D50.
If they hadn’t modified it, it might be worth it. Who knows what’s under those cheap seat covers? And what happened to the original grille? And an aftermarket sunroof?
Almost bought one of these for my first car. Kind of wish I had. I would definitely been the only one around town. Sharp design and with the stick, probably pretty fun to drive.
Pretty sure that is the original grille, maybe at most painted silver for some added pizzazz.
You MAY be right that it is just painted over. But they were most definitely not chrome or silver. They were black as they came off of the assembly line. A quick Google search will show that.
they did!
Love that long stick shift 😎
I don’t think I’ve even seen one of these since the 80’s. Must have been a real labor of love, or insanity, for the previous owner to dump that much cash into restoring this. In today’s world $7K is nothing for a car, but considering the car I think it would have to really appeal to a certain minority.
I remember Nilsson’s song “Me and my arrow” but but not the ad song. I do remember seeing the car in an add somewhere though and I wasn’t all that impressed with it, but this one looks really nice, in a Japanese knock off sort of way.
39 mpg sounds like a hybrid. If that figure is correct, in a state where gas is approaching $6/gal, this should sell soon here in the Peoples Republic of Kalifornia.
I’ve been waiting years for a car that’s “just around the corner” from me and this is what I get 😂
Back when we had a plethora of economy cars. Most cheap and disposable. Fun to see a survivor now and then.