Hello, Old Friend: 1987 Shelby Charger Revisited
Writing about past posts is always an exercise in creativity, as we have to give the readers something in the way of an update about a previously posted car. In the case of this 1987 Shelby Charger that we last wrote about in March of 2016, practically two years to current day, I can honestly say it looks like the survivor it was back then – and mileage has barely moved from just under 30,000. Find it here on eBay now living in Michigan with bidding light and the reserve unmet.
The seller even notes that some of the photos are from the previous owner and that the car remains identical to the condition it was found in the prior owner’s care. It seems like this Charger was purchased and parked, only used sparingly (if at all). The thickly bolstered bucket seats look great, and the seller clearly hasn’t monkeyed with the stereo system or installed an aftermarket steering wheel. Despite living in Florida most of its life, dash plastics and trim remain clean and uncracked.
Number 397 still wears Carroll’s signature proudly, and it’s worth noting these were truly Shelby builds with Carroll himself buying the last 1,000 Chargers from Chrysler and building them his way. This included using the fuel intake and engine management system from the Shelby GLHS, giving the Charger a healthy 175 b.h.p. of scoot. Shelby specific wheels and a Koni suspension were among the other improvements he made, resulting in a Charger with some very nice hardware attached.
This particular car was repainted back in 2009, so we can’t call it a genuine survivor in the truest sense of the word. But with low mileage preserved and seemingly no use since the last time it was listed, this is a golden opportunity for any Mopar fans who feel like they missed out. I remain a believer that these will someday command a fair price, as they were far more than warmed over Chargers with some fancy badge engineering – they had the right stuff. Anyone going to take a shot at it this second time ’round?
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Comments
Only $6,300 with a few hours left to go. I guess the let-the-kids-deal-with-me-when-my-401k-is-gone approach to bidding on older Mopars did not quite extend to these later Shelbys.
That’s too bad as these are fun to drive and very fast vehicles, and better than their 1960s counterparts in some ways.
I had an 88, and I agree these cars were fun to drive. Also, the potential these cars had would have made them even more fun, if they were around during the height of the tuner era. In that sense, they were just slightly ahead of their time.
I’ve always have had a soft spot for Turbo Chryslers of that vintage. Those engines are STRONG and are minor adjustments and bolt ons away from serious power. This one is CLEAN!
Is that a turbo z ?
No.
My exact car I’ve always wanted, little disappointed in a respray but if good job no problem. Now the biggest problem four other cars and no money. Plus if I bought it wife probably make me live in it.
Always loved these, but yet, despite all its wonderfulness, still has those cheap Omni door handles that like to break off in the cold. Had an 88 Shelby Daytona, loved the car when it ran. Car was very unreliable, but maybe it was just mine like that, I have heard many people who got almost 200K miles on their turbos. All I know is that Chrysler left me hanging when the warranty was over after Many Many warranted repairs. I tried to enact the lemon law but they fought me tooth and nail, they knew it was a troubled car, kept telling me I was abusing the car, hence the troubles. (Did I drive it spiritedly? Oh course, but it was meant for it, am I not correct?) In the 20K miles and two years I owned it, went through 2 pistons, 3 head gaskets, a clutch, a clutch assembly, a tranny (5 speed), and multiple small sensors that more then once stranded me. Only dealer that would take it in trade was a Honda dealer. Chryslers mistake, that little Civic was the best car I ever owned, opened my mind to other brands. Since then I have owned several Mazdas, a Ford, a GMC, two Saturns, and three more Hondas. AND only one Dodge, a 2004 Neon that I got for 1/3 off the sticker, right off the showroom floor because they had such a bad reputation. Now, in all fairness, I have had the car for 14 years and it now has 178K miles on it, but it is starting to nickel and dime me to death, my Civics all ran 200K+ with few if any problems. Chrysler is not long for this world, and I am not sure if I will mourn the loss. (and that comes from a guy who first owned a 1970 RR and was a third generation Chrysler buyer).
Whoa !…Not sure we can all follow that rant Billy boy…
Maybe go on the Honda site to praise them and explain your reasons for buying all the crap in your life story ! Quit while you’re ahead…
Sticking to the subject. Pretty nice find in this 1987 Charger. Pretty rare car. Carroll Shelby signature is good, even though its not too close to other projects in his honorable tenure…
Only a foolish man limits his choices. I was foolish for 30 years, but I saw the light brother! BTW, ever drive a Honda? Might open those squinting eyes of yours.
Bought one of these and had a very similar experience to Billy. Paid for an extended warranty and getting them to cover ANYTHING was a major PITA! My job had me wandering the world back then and it often popped up at a dealership where it wasn’t purchased which didn’t help matters. One time in a small town in Utah they gave me a “You didn’t buy it here” speech but I luckily had an ace in hole with an uncle who was a big shot at Chrysler who got on the horn and put some wheels into motion. Chrysler bought the car back from me when it was all said and done.
Ended: Apr 09, 2018 , 8:04PM
Winning bid:US $9,150.00
[ 31 bids ]