1982 Dodge Turbo Charger Concept Sells At Mecum For $55,000

Every once in a while, a concept car comes along that defines its moment in history. The 1982 Dodge Turbo Charger Concept is one of those rare machines. Last weekend, this wild piece of Mopar history crossed the auction block at Mecum’s Larry’s Legacy Auction in Chicago, selling for $55,000. Offered at no reserve, the futuristic hatchback came straight out of the Klairmont Kollections Automotive Museum, where it had been preserved for years.

A Pace Car With A Purpose – 

This was no ordinary concept. The Dodge Turbo Charger made its mark not just as a showpiece but also as a working pace car. Built in the early 1980s, it served in the PPG Indy Car World Series during 1981 and 1982. Fans saw it pacing races across the country, giving Dodge valuable exposure in motorsports. Dodge also rolled it into the spotlight at the 1982 Chicago and Detroit Auto Shows, where the car showcased the brand’s interest in turbocharging and bold design.

Styling Straight Out Of The ’80s – 

Visually, the Turbo Charger Concept captured everything exciting about early-’80s car culture. The body was completely reworked, featuring a slanted front end, flush headlights, wide fenders, and flush-mounted glass, which gave it a futuristic vibe. A rear spoiler helped balance the look, but it was the gullwing doors that truly set it apart—ensuring no one mistook it for a production Charger. Originally painted silver and red, the car was later refinished in silver and blue for its pace car duties.

Inside The Cockpit – 

The interior leaned more toward a race car than a road car. Dodge fitted the Turbo Charger with Recaro bucket seats, RJS harnesses, a full roll cage, a fire suppression system, and VDO gauges. Black anodized aluminum panels replaced traditional trim, making the cockpit as functional as it was futuristic.

Built To Perform – 

Powering the concept was a turbocharged and blueprinted version of Dodge’s 2.2-liter four-cylinder, an engine that would later become a big part of Chrysler’s turbo lineup. The suspension was reworked with a wider track, upgraded springs, sway bars, and bigger brakes. It rode on distinctive three-piece SVI wheels, giving it a tough stance to match its pace car duties.

A Time Capsule From Dodge’s Boldest Era – 

With just 1,162 miles showing on the odometer, this car remains a preserved piece of Dodge’s experimental past. For collectors, it represents more than just a concept—it’s part of the brand’s push into turbocharging, motorsports, and eye-catching design. At $55,000, the buyer walked away with a unique mix of show car flair and racing history, all wrapped into one unmistakably 1980s package.

1982 Dodge Turbo Charger Concept Car Image Gallery: