The Dodge Stealth is a nearly forgotten sports car of the 1990s. It was based on the Mitsubishi 3000GT - opens in new window or tab., which also went down the public memory hole, along with the Toyota Supra Turbo - opens in new window or tab. and Acura NSX - opens in new window or tab..
But the Stealth’s lack of notoriety might come in handy. If you’re pining for a 1990s Japanese sports car that hasn’t spiked in price, consider a Dodge Stealth R/T like this one recently listed for sale on eBay in Littleton, Colo.
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A Japanese Dodge? Is that real? Absolutely. In the 1990s, before Dodge rediscovered its muscle car roots, its top-of-the-line sports car was a rebadged and restyled Mitsubishi 3000GT.
It wasn’t the only one. Chrysler, through its partnership with Mitsubishi Motors, also sold versions of the Mitsubishi Eclipse - opens in new window or tab. as the Eagle Talon - opens in new window or tab. and Plymouth Laser - opens in new window or tab..
Glory Days
At the time, Stealth was the more popular of the two models. Reviewers were kinder to it. Critics preferred its smooth, futuristic lines over the 3000GT’s vents and spoilers as well.
Back in this time, most sports cars were rear-wheel-drive. But Mitsubishi equipped the 3000GT VR-4 and its Dodge Stealth R/T Turbo equivalent with full-time all-wheel-drive. Mitsubishi’s expertise in AWD would win it a World Rally Championship - opens in new window or tab. by mid-decade. In top form, the twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 was good for 300 horsepower, on par with the era’s best.
The Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4 and Dodge Stealth R/T Turbo also came with four-wheel steering, adjustable suspension, and active exhaust that let you change the exhaust note with the touch of a button. You’ll find these features standard on Porsches and other high-end supercars today, but at the time it was science fiction.
These days, it’s the Mitsubishi that gets all the glory. It’s the one featured in video games and immortalized as a Matchbox car. That leaves the Dodge Stealth in a collectors’ no man’s land. Japanese car aficionados prefer the Mitsubishi, while Mopar maniacs prefer V-8 muscle to a techno-whiz import. This situation creates an opportunity for the discerning enthusiast.
Not Quite a Hellcat
The car that was listed on eBay is a Stealth R/T. While it lacks the top-spec turbo engine and all-wheel-drive, it has 222 horsepower and is a few hundred pounds lighter on its front wheels. It’s a one-owner example with no accidents and just 31,171 miles logged. It also comes with a complete original tool set, a spare wheel with the original Toyo tire - opens in new window or tab., and an immaculate engine bay and cargo area.
All of its complex gizmos are in working order. Its owner cared a great deal for the car, eschewing even popular modifications like tinted windows or an aftermarket stereo. As the listing says, it's a “time capsule” that was “never ruined by kids.”
The asking price for this Dodge Stealth R/T was $13,900. That’s a fantastic deal, and probably the cheapest way to get into a mint-condition 1990s sports car.
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