Stock Survivor: 1987 Chrysler Conquest TSI
For a while now, the Chrysler Conquest and its twin, the Mitsubishi Starion, has been a darling of the emerging collector class of vehicles from the 1980s. Once this re-awakening occurred, it seems like clean, stock examples have been coming out of the woodwork. This is a good thing, as for years it seemed like the only Conquests and Starions coming up for grabs were modified beaters that had been exploited for their turbocharged, rear-wheel drive performance. This one is the Chrysler variety and remains in exceptionally clean condition, and it’s listed here on eBay with no reserve and bidding up to $8,400.
The seller notes that this example has been in one family ownership up until just recently, which is truly impressive considering how many have been around the block a few times by now. The bodywork looks fantastic, and this being a later model, it comes with factory box flares and a staggered wheel/tire setup. The earlier models wore narrow bodies without the generously enhanced fenders, and while both generations look good, I’d always opt for the bigger hips. No window tint or slammed suspensions here; the Conquest remains in what looks like near-factory condition.
The seller notes mileage as being 86,457, and it looks like it should be even lower. The interior was surprisingly “over-stuffed” with leather and puffy bolsters from the factory, an odd look for a sports coupe. This was a popular look for the era, however, as if you needed a portion of your living room in your turbocharged hot hatch. Regardless of how outdated it looks now, these cabins can look plenty rough if left neglected, and this one presents well. My favorite detail: the “Turbo” lettering on the seat belts, a staple of 80s design if you were lucky enough to own a turbocharged steed. The seller notes it has been garaged since new and has never seen rain.
Of course, what you most want to see in any vintage, turbocharged car is a lack of upgrades or performance enhancements; thankfully, this example has been left in the same form it exited the showroom in, clearly belonging to a family that didn’t see any need to improve upon what was already respectable out-of-the-box performance. The engine bay presents well, and hopefully, given the level of detail we’ve seen elsewhere, a stack of maintenance receipts will accompany the Conquest when it finds its way to a next owner. A terrific example that likely won’t get cheaper any time soon.
Comments
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Sidewalk find?
These cars are a sad reminder of what Mitsubishi used to be.
“Never seen rain?” Does that mean it’s never been washed either?
I used to wonder why people added a comment about never seen rain. I finally asked a judge at a car show about that. His response was 2 things. Given the design of some cars that rain water on the streets can get trapped (until it evaporates) in little pockets which could potentially develop rust depending on the climate where the car resides and if the metal in those areas may be prone to rust anyway. Second reason is that when you drive on a wet road anything that is on the road such as dust turns to a watered down mud thus dirtying the areas under the car where it no longer looks ‘spotless’ hopefully that answered your question.
Always thought these were nice LOOKING cars.
I had this exact car. Was a great performance driver, and a great cruiser with good fuel mileage and a ridiculously large fuel tank. Reliable, comfortable, and purely enjoyable. The clear coat was entirely gone, so it had that stealth look going on. I wouldn’t mind having another.
Used to be a viper blue one around town with a 340 in it….it sounded very healthy.
These cars were quick and capable of 140+ mph. Personally I would have liked to see horsepower of 200 from factory.
Back in 1991, I saw a guy driving down the road who owned one