Capsule Review: 1987 Dodge Shelby Lancer
In the mid-1980s, Carroll Shelby saw enough potential in the second generation Chrysler K-Cars to lend his name to no less than four versions: a Charger, Omni GLH (Goes Like Hell), Daytona, and the Lancer. Of all the cars, the Lancer had the most potential to capture the marketplace, a true American 3-series competitor. With its 5-door hatchback styling, crisp Euro inspired lines, and a fairly nice interior (that was as good as anything during the time period), the Lancer Shelby should have taken the driving world by storm; however, it has faded into almost extinction.
The largest problem with the Lancer lay in its fundamental layout. Americans of the 1980s viewed its useful hatchback as a marque of a cheap vehicle. That perception only worsened as the Lancer was only equipped with a 2.2L four-banger, another American no-no. Despite being producing 175bhp (147bhp in the non-Shelby), the drastic torque steer, turbo lag, and non-Euro feeling body lean chased off the import buyers as well.
Yet the few that bought one discovered something incredibly rare in Chrysler’s history, a car with character, a car that tackled corners with élan never seen in an American designed and produced sedan. They also discovered turbos that failed at 75K miles, electrical glitches, and early-failing shocks.
I will always remember a car that tackled Highway 1 in Big Sur with aplomb, a car that surged with gusto across the plains of Texas, and a car that still remains interesting in its design. If you ever see a Dodge Lancer Shelby, count yourself lucky. Rare when new, they are positively unknown, unloved, and non-existent now, which is a shame.
More by Mike Solowiow
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I owned the 88 Lancer Shelby (slightly different than the Shelby Lancer) for a while. It was named Red, and she was a $1.00 car I bought off a friend. There was SERIOUS jury-rigging under the hood by the time the head gasket finally went, and she's gone to the big parking lot in the sky, now. But let me just say, I loved that car. Around 150,000 miles on her (not quite sure exactly how many, since the speedo/odo didn't work any more). It looked like a piece of junk, and at least once a week I'd get some punk in a souped up somethingorother at a stop light showing off, and they always got left in the dust. Loved that car.
I had a 1987 Dodge Lancer ES Turbo (non-shelby), light blue with all the toys. Digital dash, 5 speed, all power..etc. I absolutely loved that car. I bought it in 1989 with about 15,000 or so miles on it. That thing was like a rocket, as soon as that turbo kicked in,..zoom. That love lasted about a year, that's when all started going wrong. First the turbo kept going on me, then the vacuum pressure kept failing on me. It was stylish for the time though. I put 50's tires with chrome wheels on her and had all the black trim painted to match the car. I do admit I miss that car but I dont miss the headache of being broken down in the mid-town tunnel waiting for a tow truck!