1988 Dodge Shelby CSX-T Heads To Auction With No Reserve

The Dodge Shelby CSX-T may not carry the same fame as Shelby’s Mustangs, but it holds a special place in Mopar history. Built in 1988 as a collaboration between Carroll Shelby and Thrifty Car Rental, just 1,000 of these front-wheel-drive (FWD) turbo compacts were produced. All were finished in white with gray lower cladding and blue Shelby graphics, making them instantly recognizable to those who know their Mopar history.

Now, Hagerty Marketplace is offering CSX-T #996 of 1,000 at no reserve, with bidding set to close Friday, September 12th, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. EDT.

A Real Rent-a-Racer Story – 

The CSX-T stood for “Carroll Shelby eXperimental – Thrifty,” and much like the Hertz Shelby Mustangs of the 1960s, these Dodges were built to give rental customers a chance behind the wheel of something special. Based on the Dodge Shadow, Shelby Automobiles upgraded the car with four-wheel disc brakes, a sport suspension, unique badging, and turbocharged power.

Under the hood sits a turbocharged 2.2-liter I4 engine producing 146 horsepower and 168 lb-ft of torque, mated to a Getrag 5-speed manual transmission. For its time, those numbers made it a legitimate hot hatch competitor.

Long-Term Enthusiast Ownership – 

What makes this example stand out is its ownership history. The seller has had the car since 1996, logging over 100,000 miles personally and maintaining it meticulously. With 202,868 miles showing, it’s far from a garage queen, but the seller notes that it has received consistent maintenance, including Mobil 1 oil changes and head gasket replacements as needed. The car remains completely stock, a rarity among ’80s turbo Dodges.

The CSX-T received a partial respray in 2014 due to paint delamination, with new decals applied at that time. Interestingly, the lower graphics and rear stripe remain in their original condition. Inside, it still sports its Shelby-embossed steering wheel and build plaque, with this one numbered 996.

Features and Imperfections – 

Factory equipment includes 15-inch wheels, a rear spoiler, and an AM/FM cassette stereo. Even the air conditioning still blows cold, freshly serviced in August 2025. The boost gauge remains integrated into the center stack, a reminder of the car’s performance intent.

Of course, with mileage comes wear. The seller is upfront about imperfections: ten-year-old tires, an inoperative fuel gauge (a new sending unit is included), minor surface rust, and paint that could benefit from a polish.

Ready for RADwood and Beyond – 

While some buyers seek low-mileage collectibles, others opt for cars that can be driven without hesitation. This CSX-T fits the latter perfectly. It’s well-documented, mechanically honest, and still carries the spirit of the “Rent-a-Racer” era. With no reserve, someone is going to take home a rare piece of Shelby and Mopar history, ready to turn heads at RADwood or Cars & Coffee.

For Mopar fans who grew up in the turbo Dodge era, this could be one of the best ways to own a genuine Shelby without breaking the bank.

1988 Dodge Shelby Shadow CSX-T Image Gallery: