Is there any car more humble than a Dodge Shadow? I’m sure you can come up with one, but you get the point. Most Shadows fell into the category of “basic transportation”, but some interesting, turbocharged engines were available here, just like on all other K-car derivative. A Mitsubishi V6 even snuck in late in the lifecycle, but I have to wonder how the handling was affected.
Our subject car is easily the most interesting Shadow – the Shelby CSX. Shelby’s magic was breathed onto a turbocharged Shadow to yield a pretty impressive car. The Shelby upgrades involved engine, suspension and brakes. With the 175 horsepower, 2.2L turbo four in a relatively light car, 0-60 MPH times were quoted at around seven seconds – competitive with some V8-powered cars at the time.
Our subject car is not original. The interior features cloth from a later CSX, it doesn’t wear stock wheels and the engine has been modified. If this was a 60s Shelby Mustang, that would be sacrilege and diminish the value. Here, I’m not so sure that’s the case. The car is probably a blast to drive, unless the front-wheel drive platform can’t handle the power. Only time will tell whether Shelby’s later creations become collectible on any level.
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Duarte, CA
$7,500
This really isn’t a bad looking car. It’s also a ‘hidden hatch’ and not truly a two-door sedan.
You can see the cut lines for the hatch opening here.
Steering wheel is all business and accordion boot reminds us that this car’s from the 80s.
Shelby logo seats with blue trim – pretty cool, though not original.
Here’s the 2.2L turbo I4. The seller claims major internal upgrades and it’s clear an intercooler has been added. I’d love to see dyno numbers…
Ad text:
This very clean 1987 Shelby CSX is #230 of 750 that were specially modified at Carroll Shelby’s “Skunkworks”. A few things have been done to make it even more unique. The interior, which was originally plain gray, has been redone in Shelby print material as the 1990 CSX would have been. Extra instruments have been added to monitor boost, oil pressure, and exhaust temperature. An AutoMeter 160 mph speedometer has replaced the original 120 mph unit. Outside, the original Centurion wheels have been replaced with some more attractive Rodao 7 spoke units. The body is very straight and the paint is near perfect, with only a few minor flaws. There is NO rust. Under the hood are some major improvements. The original shortblock, with its cast pistons, light duty rods and cast crank, has been upgraded with JE forged pistons, polished & shotpeened T2 rods with ARP bolts, a forged crankshaft, billet main caps and a screen windage tray.Fresh rings and bearings finish off the lower end. On top, the original flat follower cam was replaced with an ’88 TBI roller cam & followers. The original A520 trans has been replaced with the stronger A555 Getrag 5 speed gearbox. A high flow air filter, blowoff valve, and full 2 1/2″ exhaust round out the package. This car is fast, attractive, and fun to drive.