55,000 Original Miles
Manual Transmission
2.6L Turbo 4 Cyl
188 hp @ 5000 RPM*
234 lb/ft torque @ 2500 RPM*
Capable 0-60 MPH: 7.6 seconds
Top Speed: 130 mph
MSRP in 1988: $17,129
*Seller Asking:
$17,900 obo
Fast Facts:
- The Starion is a turbocharged RWD performance hatchback designed to compete with the Nissan Z, Toyota Supra, and Mazda RX7. It was also one of the first cars to wear the “Mitsubishi” badge in the States when the company entered the U.S market in 1982
- The ESI-R (shown here) was the top of the line model (the “R” stood for “Rally”). The rally-inspired widebody flares are required to house the 16″ aluminum wheels
- The Starion’s turbo engine (4G54) was one of the largest 4 cylinders in production, displacing a substantial 2.6 liters. With an under-square design (stroke larger than bore) the Starion produced more torque than hp, and it made peak torque at a mere 2500 RPM – quite unique from a Japanese four-cylinder
- Mitsubishi could not have entered the U.S without the help of Chrysler, who in turn wanted a performance compact car of their own to compete with the increasingly popular “hot hatch” market. This partnership spawned the Mitsubishi Starion and Chrysler Conquest twins, which were the precursors to the Mitsubishi 3000GT/Dodge Stealth
- Since Chrysler had an established footprint in the U.S, the Conquest outsold the Starion by a staggering number – over 3 times as many between 1987-1989. However, while the Conquest stole the spotlight, it was the Starion that was out getting its hands dirty in motorsport
- Mitsubishi needed to participate in American racing to make a name for itself in the States, and that’s where the Starion played a crucial role. While the Lancer and Galant were busy with international rallying, the Starion was earning its stripes in SCCA endurance road racing
- It won several championships, which helped establish Mitsubishi as a formidable competitor in U.S motorsport. In the end, the Conquest was the poster boy bringing in the money, while the Starion was the stunt double on the race track. In fact, with the exception of safety equipment, the Starion road car was nearly identical to the race car competing in SCCA
- The Starion’s RWD platform was quite versatile and was modified to accept an AWD system for Group B rallying. Unfortunately, Group B was canceled before it could compete. Regardless, the RWD platform proved to be so capable in racing that Mitsubishi planned to keep it for the Starion’s replacement: the 3000GT halo sports car, which was to be fitted with the same AWD system developed for Group B
- However, keeping the RWD platform didn’t sit well with Chrysler, who was still involved and would receive their own version of the car (the Stealth). An AWD twin-turbo sports car based on an expensive RWD platform would be too pricey for the American public, and Chrysler quickly rejected the idea. Instead, they insisted Mitsubishi use the cheaper front-wheel drive Eclipse platform, which would allow both companies to produce an affordable FWD base model (the volume seller). This meant the Starion went down as the last RWD car Mitsubishi would ever make
Key Model Year Changes:
- Power output rose from 176hp to 188hp – the highest output during its 7 year production run
- The aero is enhanced with a revised front air dam, updated rear spoiler, and smoother underbody
- Updated (more aggressive) sport seats
- The 1986-1989 were the “widebody” years, offered as an “ESI” or more expensive “ESI-R”. These were also the first models to receive an intercooler, as well as the larger 5-spoke aluminum wheels
Seller Notes:
- 55k original miles. Garaged kept its entire life
- 2nd owner. All original
- Original paint (beautiful, no fading)
- Minor paint chipping on the front lip
- All electronics work flawlessly including pop up headlights
- Brand new tires
- The entire fuel system was gone through
- Florida car its entire life. Never seen snow
- Starts right up, runs great
- Leather is original and beautiful. No dash cracks
- Minor paint chipping on a few plastic interior pieces but the inside of the car is absolutely stunning otherwise
- Radio works and the speakers are factory but sound high quality and have not deteriorated
- A/C is original and untouched – needs charging (R12)
- Gas gauge does not work
- Clean CARFAX, no accidents
- Original keys, manuals, maintenance records
- Location: Merritt Island, Florida – (more photos below)
- Update: craigslist ad is no longer available (sold or expired)
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*SAE rated from factory. May not reflect current output.
*Performance numbers pulled from either the factory brochure or reputable automotive road tests.
*Base price when new does not reflect original MSRP of this particular car, nor does it reflect what the original owner paid for it.
*Advertised price at time of posting. Sellers can raise or lower prices on their original ad at any time. Click on the original ad to view current price/availability.
*Performance numbers pulled from either the factory brochure or reputable automotive road tests.
*Base price when new does not reflect original MSRP of this particular car, nor does it reflect what the original owner paid for it.
*Advertised price at time of posting. Sellers can raise or lower prices on their original ad at any time. Click on the original ad to view current price/availability.
Mileage Disclaimer: NOC has not confirmed if the mileage stated by the seller is true and accurate. It is up to the buyer to verify these claims. Vehicle history reports, service records stating mileage, and even inspections of odometer tampering are recommended.
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