Retro cars blog

Posts Tagged ‘Muscle car’

Datsun 240Z Sports car

Sports coupe Datsun 240Z was born in 1969. The machine was intended for U.S. car market. The founder of the American branch of Yutaka Katayama convinced management of Nissan in need of such a model. Official presentation of the new two-seater sports car Datsun 240Z held in New York in October 1969. Originally, the car would be called Fairlady, but fearing that the name is not accepted in America, limited numbered – Datsun 240Z.

Datsun 240Z Tuning

The exterior design in Datsun 240Z has been very successful, he was executed in classical style and reminded «Jaguar E-Type.” Technical stuffing also commands respect. Independent suspension with struts “McPherson” and stabilizer bars, copied from the “Lotus-Elan, provide excellent car driving performance. Datsun 240Z Straight six-cylinder engine with overhead camshaft with a working volume of 2,4 liters capacity developed 151 horsepower. Datsun 240Z Coupe weighing 1,068 pounds were dispersed to 208 km / h and stokilometrovuyu mark from the place reached in nine seconds

Datsun 240Z exotic car

In 1974 he appeared four-seat coupe 2 +2 extended to thirty centimeters a body fitted with a 2.6 liter engine, this car received index 260Z. In 1976-77, the released version of Datsun 240Z with engine capacity of 2.8 liters. In 1978 appeared the last modification Datsun 240Z issued before 1983, with the new engine of 2.8 liter and automatic transmission. Datsun 240Z

Datsun 240Z racing car

Datsun 240Z interior view

Datsun 240Z has become incredibly popular car in the seventies of last century. In many ways, this contributed to its value, which was lower than that of similar vehicles. Total until 1979 was released over half a million cars a series of Datsun 240Z

Datsun 240Z Rally car

Datsun 240Z Limited Edition

Hudson Hornet Classic American model

Although the cars of the three largest manufacturers monopolized the most attention of American cars in the 1950′s, the role of the Hudson Hornet can not be ignored

Hudson Hornet Retro model

At the time of Hudson Hornet debuted in 1951, the public had been seduced by the radical styling of the Commodore company in 1948. The low profile design of the car floor placed between the rails of the chassis structure, instead of placing them on top, and the body and chassis combined into a single unit, reached a low profile design with a reduced center of gravity.

Hudson Hornet Vintage model car

The elegant Hornet was offered as a two-door coupe, a four-door sedan, a convertible and a hardtop. He pioneered the use of unique structure (chassis-body), as well as its powerful engine L-head 6 cylinder in line. Hudson Hornet- originally the engine in the Commodore had 262 cubic inches, but when mounted on the Hornet in 1951 and had a displacement of 308 cubic inches. Hudson Hornet with an aluminum head high compression and two barrel carburetor could 145hp with 275 lb-ft of torque, making it the six-cylinder engine more powerful in the world.Hudson Hornet

Hudson Hornet Hotrod

The Hudson was lavishly decorated, with lots of chrome exterior and interior, attractive upholstery and room for six adults. In 1952, Hudson joined an optional engine, the Twin-H. Using two interconnected multiple carburetors fed by two of the gorge, making a 170hp power. Hudson Hornet Alternatively, 7-X, increased their power 210hp.

Hudson Hornet Rear view

The runners took note. At a time when stock car competition was really competitive actions, the attributes of the Hornet made it a natural candidate for the NASCAR races and more – despite its obvious trend for luxury. The track star Marshall Teague received support for their efforts in NASCAR, and he and his “Fabulous Hudson Hornet” won several competitions of the season. In total, Hudson won 12 of the 41 races of 1951, including the season opener at Daytona Grand National. In 1952, the domain of Teague and Hudson was total, winning 27 of the 34 competencies in NASCAR. 39 more victories followed in the next two seasons.Hudson Hornet

Classic retro car Hudson Hornet

However, neither the advanced technology and success in careers in America’s most important series might help sales, which were dormant since the debut of the Hornet. Hudson Hornet Superficial changes for the 1953 model included a redesigned grille and hood, and in 1954 was presented ventilation hatch on the hood, one piece windshield, and redesigned rear. It was all for nothing. As Hudson‘s finances were in decline is planning a merger with Nash.

Hudson Hornet in Blue color

The Hornet is robust, well-built engines that offer a lot of trouble-free miles with proper maintenance and management as any other American car of the era, thanks in large part by its low center of gravity and uniform distribution of their weight. Hudson Hornet Its six cylinders also undoubtedly help, even the base engine of 145hp.

Hudson Hornet Interior view

Hudson Hornet Interior view

Hudson Hornet Super Vintage model

Hudson Terraplane American model

Hudson Motor Car Company formed Hudson and other brand automobiles in Detroit, Michigan, from 1909 to 1954th 1954 Hudson merged with Nash-Kelvinator Corporation to form American Motors. The Hudson name was continued through the 1957 model year, after he was dropped. Hudson Terraplane

Hudson Terraplane Classic car

The name “Hudson” came from J.L. Hudson, a Detroit department store entrepreneur and founder of Hudson’s department store, which provided the necessary head and gave permission for the company to be named after him. A total of eight Detroit businessmen who founded the company on 24th February, 1909, produce a car that would sell for less than $ 1,000.Hudson Terraplane One of the main “car men” and the organizers of the company Roy Chapin, Sr, a young executive, who had worked with Ransom E. Olds (son Chapin, Roy Jr, would later President of the Hudson-Nash descendant American Motors Corp. to be. In the sixties).Hudson Terraplane

The company quickly began production with the first car that was driven in by a small factory in Detroit third July, 1909. The new Hudson “Twenty” was one of the first cheap cars in the U.S. market and very successful with more than 4,000 were sold the first year.Hudson Terraplane This was the best first production of the year in the history of the automotive industry up to that time.

Hudson Terraplane Retro model

The company had adjusted a number of first for the auto industry, these included double brakes, the use of dashboard oil pressure warning lights of the generator and the first from the crankshaft, which the Hudson allowed straight-6 engine, dubbed the “Super Six” (1916), to work with a higher rotational speed to make while remaining smooth, and develop more energy for its size than lower-revving machines.Hudson Terraplane

Luxury Model Hudson Terraplane

Hudson Terraplane

Shelby Daytona Coupe

The American motorsports history would not be complete sans the inclusion of one of the greatest cars, the Shelby Daytona Coupe. Dubbed as the Ferrari-slayer, the Peter Brock-designed coupe won the FIA GT World Championship in 1965. This was a record-breaking win considering that no other American car has achieved that before the Shelby Daytona Coupe. This has made the car not only in demand, if you can get one, but also very expensive.

Shelby Daytona Coupe

There is however a solution for those who desire to own a Shelby Daytona Coupe and that is through the Shelby Daytona Coupe Le Mans Edition which came to life thanks to the unique interpretation of the Exotic Auto Restoration. By getting this package you also get wider 18-inch wheels and tires, billet aluminum hood vents, heady-duty suspension, and fender flares. You also get brushed aluminum dash, Alcantara seating, suede Momo steering wheel and Daytona Le mans gauges.

Shelby Daytona Coupe

The Shelby Daytona Coupe Le Mans Edition is powered by any Ford V8 engine producing 530 horsepower. There is also an option for the track-oriented version which is sportier and powered by a Shelby aluminum block 427ci V8 engine producing 560 horsepower. This package includes upgraded brakes, quick-release steering wheel and carbon fiber front splitter.

Shelby Daytona Coupe

Shelby Daytona Coupe Inside

1966 Chrysler Newport limousine

The name Newport was first used by Chrysler on a 1940 showcar of which five actual vehicles were produced. Between 1961 and 1981 the Newport was a name used by the Chrysler division of the Chrysler Corporated used as both a hardtop body designation and for its entry level model.

Unveiled in 1940, the Chrysler Newport Phaeton was a 2-door low production roadster than utilized an I8 engine that was linked to a 3-speed manual transmission. Only produced for one year, the first generation Newport was based on the Chrysler New Yorker and was designed by Chrysler designer Ralph Roberts. A total of five units were produced. Chrysler founder Walter P. Chrysler had one that he used as a personal vehicle. Another owner was actress Lana Turner. The 1941 indianapolis 500 race featured the Newport Phaeton as the pace car.

From 1949 through 1961 the second generation of Newport was featured to designate the 2-door hardtop body style in Chrysler‘s lineup. A new hardtop Newport model was placed in each Chrysler series, Saratoga, the Windsor and the New Yorker. Orginally, the totally redesigned ’49 Chrysler Town and Country was proposed as a hardtop, but in the end the body style only appeared during the model’s final year in 1950.

1966 Chrysler Newport Classic car

In 1961 Chrysler revived the Newport name for their full-size entry-level model. Priced at $2,964, the Newport was strategically placed to fill the price gap between Dodge and Chrysler that emerged when DeSota was deleted. Quite successful, the Newport comprised the bulk of Chrysler production. The base Newport sedans were detrimmed versions of Chrysler‘s traditional upmarket models that featured hubcaps rather than full-wheel covers, very plain interiors and a minimal amount of exterior trim. Unfortunately, in the long run, cheapening the brand’s cache with an inexpensive model wasn’t good for Chrysler.

The ’61 Newport was available to the buying public as either a 2-door convertible, 2-door hardtop, 4-door sedan, 4-door hardtop and 4-door station wagon. Though most Newports were equipped with the 305 hp 383 in? V8, the base engine was the 361 in? V8 engine that was rated at 265 hp. The trademark fins were removed for the 1962 model year. For 1963 the Newport was restyled next to the New Yorker and Chrysler 300. This body style remained until 1964. The Newport received the small, chrome-topped fins again in 1964.

The fourth generation Newport was assembled at Jefferson Assembly Plant in Detroit Michigan. Redesigned on the then-new Chrysler C platform, the next Newport ran from 1965 through 1968. The Newport station wagon was renamed the Chrysler Town and Country.

Assembled in Belvidere, Illinois, the fifth generation of the Newport was again built on the C-body platform. Redesigned for the 1969 model year, the Newport now featured the ‘Fuselage Styling’ that would eventually become symbolic of Chrysler‘s full-size vehicles until the end of the 1973 model year.

1966 Chrysler Newport American car

After 1970, Newport convertibles were discontinued. In 1978 production of the C-body Newport also ended along with the Chrysler New Yorker. During the previous year, related Dodge and Plymouth C-body car had already been dropped. The American car industry’s last true two-door and four-door hardtops were offered with the 1978 Newport.

A newly resized Newport was introduced in 1979 on the Chrysler R platform which was a derivative of the circa 1962 Chrysler B platform. This downsized model reduced model availability to a single ‘pillared hardtop’ 4 door sedan. Chrysler went about the reduction of their vehicle a different way from GM and Ford who downsized their big cars by chopping with an ax. Chrysler improved fuel efficiency by reducing weght but retaining as much of the traditional full-size look and feel as possible.

A much more attractive vehicle was built from this process, but unfortunately some of the weight-saving measures proved to be more trouble then they were worth. The plastic brake wheel-cylinder pistons that had the tendency to swell and bind up the brakes following a couple of years of service. Another new innovation where chrome-plated aluminum bumpers that were replaced in 1980 with a newer and stronger steel rear bumper.

Sales were strong at the beginning of 1979, but unfortunately due to Chrysler’s unsteady financial condition, along with tightening oil and gasoline supplies, all of the R-body models were discontinued following a short run of 1981 models. Chrysler began to shift towards smaller front-wheel drive vehicles and the Newport was replaced with the front-wheel drive Chrysler Executive for 1983.

1982 Chrysler LeBaron Convertible

Manufactured more than six decades ago, the original bearer of the LeBaron name is the 1931 Chrysler Custom Imperial Eight. One of the numerous prominent coachbuilders that sprung up in the 1920s, LeBaron was founded in Bridgeport Connecticut in 1920 by Thomas L. Hubbard and Raymond Dietrich, formerly of Brewster. Originally named LeBaron, Carrossiers Inc., the company served as design consultants. The company didn’t become body builders in addition to designers until 1924 after merging with the Blue Ribbon and Bridgeport Body companies.

Though neither Hibbard nor Dietrich were French, the named the company LeBaron simply because the name sounded French. The market for custom bodywork in the U.S. largely dissipated by the late 1930′s due to the Depression and the efforts of corporate stylists like Ford’s Eugene Gregorie and GM’s Harley Earl.

The name LeBaron was eventually revived by Chrysler, (though not the company,) for it’s top of-of-the-line Imperial in 1957. Offered as either a pillared sedan or four-door Southampton hardtop, the first Imperial LeBaron was offered at a base price of $5,743. The LeBaron nameplate was used to denote the highest model of Imperial. The midrange model was the Imperial Crown, while ‘entry’ model was the Imperial Custom. Through 1975 the Imperial remained the top-of-the-line model and ended its reign as a separate marque. The final Imperial was a LeBaron hardtop. Imperial ceased to be in 1975.

1982 Chrysler LeBaron Coupe

In 1977 the LeBaron nameplate was again revived for the rear-wheel drive M-body Chrysler that was based on the mechanicals of the corporate A-body (Dodge Aspen/Plymouth Volare). Though the name LeBaron had been used before on Imperials, this was the first time in History that the name was used on its own.

In 1982 the LeBaron model name was transferred to the new front-wheel drive line when Chrysler-branded rear-drive M-body was renamed New Yorker Fifth Avenue for the 1983 model year.

In 1978 the vehicle was available as a wagon, and all had the Town & Country wood paneling until a plain base wagon with featured in 1980 through 1981. The LeBaron was available as a four-door passenger sedan in the early 80′s. For 1981 only a Police version was made available. The now-famous K-cars were introduced in 1982, where it became an upscale version of the Dodge Aries and Plymouth Reliant. The LeBaron ‘K’ was offered as a convertible through 1986, and as a sedan through to 1988. From 1985 through 1989 an ‘H’ body LeBaron GTS hatchback (Dodge Lancer) was offered. From 1990 through 1994 the ‘A’ body LeBaron sedan (Dodge Spirit/Plymouth Acclaim was featured. The Town and Country station wagon version was also offered this year as well. From 1983 through 1986, limited quantities of a special Town and Country convertible was made available in simulated wood paneling that closely resembled the original 1940′s Town and Country.

1982 Chrysler LeBaron classic car

Following the discontinuation of the first generation LeBaron coupe and convertible in 1986, a new LeBaron was introduced by Chrysler. Also available as either a coupe or convertible, this newest model was built on the J platform. The 1987 model featured headlights that were hidden behind retractable metal covers, curved (Coke bottle) style rocker panels, and a waterfall grille. These models were called the Chrysler Phantom in Mexico. 1987LeBarons featured available engines that were the stock 2.21 and 2.51, either naturally aspirated or turbocharged. For the 1990 model year a 3.01 Mitsubishi V6 was featured. Equipped with a trip and fuel economy computer and full instrumentation, in 1990 the instrument panel was totally redesigned.

Considered to be the traditional year, in 1987 the ‘J’ body LeBaron coupe and convertible was introduced as successors to the ‘K’ based sedan and convertible. The ‘J’ was the only modern LeBaron that wasn’t carbon copied into a Dodge/Plymouth offering.

Though mechanically similar to the Reliant and Aries the LeBaron resembled the much larger E-body sedans. Discontinued in 1988, this generation of LeBarons featured Chrysler‘s Electronic Voice Alert, which was a computerized voice that let passengers know that ‘A door is ajar’, or to ‘Please fasten your seat belt’. The Reliant and Aries ceased production in 1988.

Built exclusively for time trials at the Bonneville Salt Flats, the 1992 Chrysler Baron Coupe was powered by a VNT turbocharged 2.0L that was based on the 2.2L/2.5L turbocharged engines that were found on many street LeBarons. The engine produced an amazing 450 hp with an exhaust header, customized intake and an intercooler that still fit into essentially a stock body.

The LeBaron received a slightly restyled exterior for the 1993 model year. The hidden headlamps from earlier models were deleted and replaced with less costly aerodynamic replaceable-bulb headlamps. All models received the amber rear turn signals that were introduced on the deluxe 1992. New wheel styles were also made available. For 1994 the new ‘Bright LX’ d?cor package was offered and featured a ‘bright’ chrome grille, ‘bright’ chrome badging, and ‘bright’ chrome molding inserts. Featured engines were naturally-aspirated 2.5L L and turbocharged 2.2 and 2.5L versions of Chrysler’s I4 and the 3.0 L Mitsubishi V6.

1978 Dodge Magnum muscle car

The Dodge Magnum model was introduced in 1978 and produced for only a short time, lasting until 1979. It was sold in the United States and in Canada as a rebadged Chrysler Cordoba. It was a replacement for the Charger SE in Dodge’s lineup and available in two bodystyles, the ‘XE’ and the ‘GT’.

One of the driving forces for producing this car, was for the NASCAR series. The Magnum was more aerodynamic than the Charger. The road-going versions featured four rectangular headlights, opera windows, and an optional T-Bar or power sunroof. Power steering, brakes and seats were offered as standard equipment. Mounted under the hood was a 318 cubic-inch V8 engine. Optional engines were available, including the two and four-barrel carbureted 360 and 400 V8s. The 400 was offered for only a single year, being dropped from the option list in 1970 as Chrysler ceased production of the big-block V8s at the close of 1978.

1978 Dodge Magnum Black Hardtop Coupe

The GT version was packed with performance, powered by a ‘E85′ police interceptor engine. The suspension was improved, a special axle adapted, and ‘GT’ badging placed throughout the vehicle.

1978 Dodge Magnum Racing car

The technology of the vehicle was advanced for its era. It had an onboard spark control computer, electronic ignition, and a lockup torque converter.

The Magnum name persisted for only a short time, being replaced by the Mirada after just a few years of production. The Mirada was a smaller car that had also been a rebadge of the Chrysler Cordoba.

The name ‘Magnum‘ would lay dormant for many years, making a re-appearance in 2005 as part of Dodge‘s full-size vehicle in their model lineup.

1983 Dodge Charger sports car

The Dodge Charger was produced from 1966 through 1978, 1983 through 1987, and again beginning in 2006. Since its inception, the impressive performance and stylish bodies made the Charger an instant success. During its introductory year, 37,344 examples were produced.

The Dodge Charger was based on the Dodge Coronet platform, but with a fastback roofline. The headlights were retractable which resulted in a sportier appearance for the vehicle. The interior had four bucket seats with the rear seats able to be folded down that provided ample space for cargo. Under the hood was a 318 cubic-inch eight-cylinder engine that produced 230 horsepower. Optional was the 361 and 426 cubic-inch Hemi, available in various configurations. The 426 Hemi produced 425 horsepower and would set the buyer back $1000, a considerable cost considering the base price was $3122. Only 468 of the Hemi option were purchased.

In 1967 Dodge added the 440 cubic-inch Magnum to the Charger model line. With 375 horsepower, it was a cheaper option than the Hemi, easy to tune, and came standard with the R/T package. The 318 cubic-inch was still the standard option with the 426 Hemi the top-of-the-line producing 45 horsepower and 490 foot-pounds of torque. The production total for the Charger in 1967 was around 15,000 with 118 of those selecting the Hemi engine.

1983 Dodge Charger racing car

The 1968 Charger was redesigned, now with hidden headlights and a curvy body. The design was a success and sales soared to over 92,000 units. The Hemi option was available, with around 470 buyers opting for the option. The R/T package was a popular option with 17,665 buyers. Standard on the R/T performance package was the 440 Magnum engine producing 375 horsepower. Many argue that the 1968 was the most appealing muscle car of all 1960′s era.

For 1969, Dodge decided to make only minor improvements to the Charger. The grille now had a chrome center divider. Two new Charger models were available. The Charger 500 was a performance machine with some styling cues similar to the Dodge Coronet. The big news was the Dodge charger Daytona which is easily identified by its larger vertical tail stabilizer and front nose extension. With just over 500 examples of the Daytona produced, the $4000 vehicle was available with either the Hemi or the 440 engine.

The Charger was redesigned in 1970 and became available in new colors. The SE version added leather seats and an electric sliding sunroof. Dodge introduced the 440 Six Pack which featured three Holley two-barrel carburetors and produced 390 horsepower. In total, there were just over 10,300 Chargers sold in 1970 with 42 of those sales including the 440 Six Pack and 116 opting for the Hemi.

1983 Dodge Charger American Drag Racing Car

The muscle car era was coming to a close. Government safety regulations, emission controls, and insurance premiums were beginning to force manufacturers into detuning their engines. This was the last year for the mighty Hemi engine, which retained it 425 horsepower rating. The 440 cubic-inc engine was now rated at 370, down by 5 horsepower. The 440 Six Pack also lost five horsepower. The Charger was redesigned and lost a few inches at the wheelbase. Available in SE and R/T trim, it now shared a body with the Super Bee. This body-style design lasted until 1974.

The Rallye was the performance model for the Dodge Charger for the years 1972 through 1974. The Rallye was equipped with the detuned 440 cubic-inch engine with four-barrel carburetors, hydraulic lifters, and five main bearings. The result was 280 horsepower for the years 1972 through 1973. In 1974 the horsepower dipped to 275.

For 1973, Dodge offered the base 318 cubic-inch eight-cylinder engine, now rated at 255 horsepower. The 440 was producing 255 horsepower while the 440 Six-Pack produced 330 horsepower. The decrease in horsepower was due to the detuning to comply with government safety and emission regulations and because horsepower was no longer being quoted in terms of gross output but rather in terms of net output. The suspension was reworked resulted in a quieter and more comfortable ride.

The Charger’s appearance became sportier in 1974, with minor aesthetic changes and larger quarter windows. The 318 V8 was rated at 175, the 440 V8 produced 280, and the 440 Six Pack produced 330 horsepower. The engine choices remained the same for 1974 but it would be the final year for its sporty persona. In 1975, Dodge repositioned the Charger as a luxury vehicle. They introduced the Charger SE, a near-clone of the Chrysler Cordoba. The SE came equipped with lots of standard equipment and a 360 cubic-inch engine producing 180 horsepower. The slant-six 318 and 400 were available in various configurations. The 360 fitted with a four-barrel, instead of the standard two-barrel carburetor, would increase the horsepower to 200.

1989 Dodge Viper VM01 Convertible

Conceived as a modern take on the classic American muscle car, the Dodge Viper is a two-seat sports car, possibly the most powerful production car produced by Dodge.

Production for the Viper began in 1992 at the new Mack Assembly in Detroit Michigan. The Mack Avenue Engine Complex was the original production site from 1992 through 1995.

Opening in 1966, the Conner Avenue Assembly was purchased by Chrysler in 1995 for the production of both the Dodge Viper and the Plymouth Prowler. October 1995 the production for the Viper began.

The home of Chysler’s production of large-displacement V8 and V10 engines, Mount Road Engine was a Chrysler Corporation Automobile Engine factory in Detroit Michigan. In 2002 the plant was closed as production shifted to the Mack Avenue Engine Complex.

The dream behind the design of the Dodge Viper was directly inspired by Carroll Shelby, one of the automotive indsustry’s greatest legends. Building one more ultimate performance car was the vision of the initial designer of the Viper. Far too large and heavy to seriously claim any direct lineage with other compact and lightweigh vehicles such as the ionic AC Cobra, the Viper was an altogether separate design.

1989 Dodge Viper VM01 coupe

Driven as the pace car at the Indianapolis 500, Caroll Shelby had a long career as a driver, owner, team manager, manufacturer, consultant, and visionary before being inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame in 1992. More than a decade later, he has continued to impact the world of racing and automobile design. A master organizer and team leader, his charisma, vision and ability to know the best person for the job developed his ability to produce consistently impressive results.

Initially conceived in late 1987 at Chrysler’s Advanced Design Studios, the Viper first apeared as a concept to test public reaction at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on January 4, 1989.

Receiving enthusiatstic public aclaim as orders began to flow before the show even ended, the ‘go’ was given and chief engineer Roy Sjoberg was directed to develop it as a production car.

‘Team Viper‘ was organized by Sjoberg with a handpicked group of 85 engineers that began development in March of 1989. Their primary goal was to construct a vehicle that concentrated on performance above all else. Their benchmark: to go from 0 to 100 back to 0 in 15 seconds.

1989 Dodge Viper VM01- American muscle car

Though 1st generation Vipers were considered by some as a crude ‘kit car’, Chrysler translated this into a vehicle and production line that became the most sought after assignment in the corporation up to that point.
Typical of American performance car design, the Viper had a front-mounted engine driving rear wheels with a curb weight of 3,280lb(1,488 kg) while lacking many modern driving aids such as traction control or anti-lock brakes. In a straight line performance, the Viper completed a quarter mile in 12.9 seconds and had a maximum speed of 164 mph (264 km/h).

The engine produced 400 hp (298 kW) at 4600 rpm and 450 ft·lbf (610 N·m) of torque at 3600 rpm. Due to the long-gearing allowed by the torquey engine it provided surprising fuel economy at a claimed 21 mpg US (11.2 L/100 km) if driven sedately. The body of the Viper was a tubular steel frame with resin transfer molding (RTM) fiberglass panels.

By 1998, 9,500 Vipers cruised the world’s boulevards and racetracks, building a very strong and extremely enthusiastic owner core. Currently there are more than 1,700 members of the Viper Club of America and 27 Viper Clubs throughout the United States.

1991 Dodge Stealth RT Turbo

The Dodge Stealth, is an impressive automobile which boasts sleek styling and brandishes an aggressive shape. These cars incorporate some of the latest automotive technology available today which is put to good use when demonstrating its performance potential. Although often compared to sports cars, the Dodge Stealth is a grand touring 2+2 seater sport coupe which has but one drawback; a weight disadvantage. This, of course, is more than compensated for with ample acceleration and braking power.
Built in Nagoya, Japan by Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, the Dodge Stealth is the twin to the Mitsubishi GTO or 3000GT as commonly known in the United States. Although most of the Stealth was designed and built by Mitsubishi, the body styling is unique to the Stealth and was designed by Dodge. The Dodge Stealth is available in Canada and the United States, where the Mitsubishi GTO or 3000GT is not available in Canada but is available in the United States and abroad.

In 1991, its first year of production, the Dodge Stealth was available in four trim levels; base, ES, RT and RT Twin Turbo. It was initially released with these various configurations to satisfy the individual tastes and budgets of a wide range of sports car enthusiasts.

1991 Dodge Stealth RT Turbo coupe

In 1991, its first year of production, the Dodge Stealth was available in four trim levels; base, ES, RT and RT Twin Turbo. It was initially released with these various configurations to satisfy the individual tastes and budgets of a wide range of sports car enthusiasts.

The base Stealth powertrain, which was available until 1995, is a 3.0-liter, SOHC, 12-valve V6 that produces 164 horsepower at 5,500 rpm. The Stealth ES, which was available until 1993, and the R/T increases that level of performance with a 3.0-liter, DOHC, 24-valve V6 that delivers 222 horsepower at 6,000 rpm. A 3.0-liter DOHC twin turbocharged V6 with 320 horsepower (300 horsepower for 1991-1993 models) does 0-60 mph in a very impressive 5.3 seconds.

The Stealth R/T Turbo model is equipped with a 6-speed Getrag manual transmission (5-speed Getrag pre-1994). All other models come standard with a 5-speed manual transmission. Available as an option in all models except the Stealth R/T Turbo is a 4-speed automatic transmission which features driver controllable Power/Economy modes.

Safety features include the availability of anti-lock brakes as either standard or optional equipment across the entire Dodge Stealth lineup. The Stealth includes standard driver-side air bags in all models made to date and passenger-side airbags in all models produced after 1993. The Dodge Stealths comfort and convenience features include standard air conditioning (switched to R-134a in 1994), an available tailgate wiper/washer, power windows and door locks, speed control, a security alarm, and a remote key-less entry system which became available in 1993. Front low-back bucket seats with recliners and height adjustment are standard on all Stealth models. Leather seats are optional on R/T and R/T Turbo models.

1991Tunned  Dodge Stealth RT Turbo

The Stealth R/T Turbo is the most often talked about model in the media. With an impressive list of standard equipment and features, its quite easy to see why. Over various production years, this model is or has been a twin turbo charged, twin inter-cooled, all-wheel driven, four-wheel steered assembly of metals, plastics and leather with triple mode electronically controlled suspension and dual mode active exhaust. Depending upon year, it pumps out between 300-320 horsepower with between 307-315 lb-ft of torque and there is still room for the kids!

In late 1995, it was announced that the Dodge Stealth would no longer be produced after 1996 due to the rising value of the yen and slow sales. A 1996 model was not available in Canada and production was very limited in the United States. All told, this car is destined to become a collectors item for automotive enthusiasts