The history of Mitsubishi performance cars usually starts with three all-wheel-drive turbocharged coupes that debuted in the early 1990s. The trio consisted of the Mitsubishi Eclipse - opens in new window or tab., Plymouth Laser, and Eagle Talon. The DSM trio were built in a joint venture between Mitsubishi and Chrysler known as Diamond Star Motors (DSM).
But the story goes back further to another badge-sharing effort: the Mitsubishi Starion and Chrysler Conquest (or Starquest for short). The twins had a more traditional setup as front-engine, rear-drive two-door coupes.
Enthusiasts particularly value the Starquest’s wild styling and credible performance. The restored ‘87 Starion recently offered on eBay Motors looks great and should be a blast to drive.
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A Flare For Performance
In 1983, Motor Trend road-tested the recently launched Starion and was impressed.
The Starion/Conquest history begins in 1982 when the turbocharged coupe hit showrooms. In 1986, however, the car saw a radical change with the appearance of boxy, angular fender flares covering wider wheels and tires.
The aggressive stance supports a performance-oriented suspension setup and an intercooled version of the 2.6-liter, four-cylinder producing around 175 horsepower.
In their day, the Starion and Conquest found success on the race track. They won several SCCA Showroom Stock races—a classification for mostly stock cars but with safety equipment and race tires. Racers enjoyed the ready power and the excellent handling, virtues that carry to the street.
The Hard Parts Are Already Done
Buying a partially restored car can present challenges. Sellers sometimes give up because they lack funds, expertise, or interest. When that happens, they can skip steps in the restoration process.
However, the Starion’s body panels (which avoided rust in dry Texas) were already repainted in the original metallic brown. Further, the restorers reupholstered the front leather seats in the original burgundy leather. Paint and leather work are often some of the most expensive and challenging jobs for a home restorer. Previous builders crossed that work off the list.
Other interior panels, including the dashboard, certainly need work. Further, the air conditioning isn’t operational, and several other details deserve attention. A hands-on owner can manage these tasks in a small garage—even as the Mitsubishi continues to provide fun on the road.
This Starion is a lovely sports coupe that should be displayed at car shows and enjoyed on the open road. The model is competitively priced compared to other 1980s sports cars. And you would be hard-pressed to find one in such solid shape.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.