1988 Dodge Shelby CSX-T Sells for $18,450 on BringATrailer

Rare Thrifty Car Rental Special Edition Draws Enthusiast Interest...

Robert S. Miller August 7, 2024

1988 Dodge Shadow Shelby CSX-T. (BringATrailer).

A 1988 Dodge Shadow Shelby CSX-T, a limited-production model, recently fetched $18,450 on the popular auction site BringATrailer.com. This car is No. 545 and is one of only 1,000 units produced exclusively for Thrifty Car Rental. Known for its unique design and performance enhancements, the CSX-T has garnered interest among automotive enthusiasts and collectors.

Exterior and Design –

Finished in a classic white with gray lower bodywork, the 1988 Shelby CSX-T sports blue graphics and pinstriping. It features color-keyed 15-inch aluminum wheels wrapped in 205/50 Kumho Ecsta PA31 tires, a rear spoiler, a fender-mounted antenna, dual exhaust outlets, and black door handles and mirror caps. The overall aesthetic captures the sporty yet functional design of the late 1980s.

Interior and Features –

The cabin of this CSX-T is outfitted with gray cloth upholstery, complemented by a color-coordinated dashboard, door panels, and carpets. Key features include air conditioning, a late-model Chrysler CD stereo, a center armrest, crank windows, and Shelby-branded floor mats and door sill appliques. Notably, the four-spoke steering wheel bears an engraved Carroll Shelby autograph. The dashboard-mounted plaque identifies this car as CSX-T, for example, No. 545.

Performance –

Under the hood, the CSX-T is powered by a turbocharged 2.2-liter Chrysler Turbo I inline-four engine, factory-rated at 146 horsepower and 168 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with a 5-speed Getrag manual transaxle, delivering power to the front wheels. Four-wheel disc brakes provide the car’s stopping power, and the struts were replaced in 2024 under the current ownership.

Ownership and History –

This CSX-T remained with a single owner until it was acquired by the seller in 2022. It has been well-maintained, with recent work including installing new tires and replacing all four struts. The car showed 14,400 miles on the odometer, approximately 700 of which were added by the current owner. The Carfax report indicated a registration history in Kentucky and Michigan, confirming its well-documented past.

Auction Outcome –

Listed at no reserve, this 1988 Dodge Shelby CSX-T attracted considerable attention on BringATrailer.com, ultimately selling for $18,450. The sale included a spare set of removed tires and a clean Michigan title in the seller’s name. This transaction highlights the enduring appeal of limited-production, performance-oriented vehicles from the 1980s, especially those associated with iconic figures like Carroll Shelby.

1988 Dodge Shadow Shelby CSX-T Image Gallery:

1988 Dodge Shadow Shelby CSX-T. (BringATrailer).

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bill burke Aug 07, 2024 #1

Owned A Shadow four 2 door and a Sundance Turbo four 2 door and loved them both. The Plymouth was totaled early on but I thought it was quicker than my Daytona Turbo Z. The Shadow I had as my grocery getter and work car for years and years. Park it anywhere in small spots, nice interior if not luxurious and that hatch, it just ran and ran and ran. Reliable and economical, a perfect city car for a young family.
I can not help think the new Dodge Charger coming took inspiration from these very practical hatchbacks. Really, that Sundance was a blast of fun power but suffered from torque steer issues. Still enjoyed stomping on it lots. If only it had AWD. Hint- Hint!
Imagine a compact Hurricane Turbo four performance two door and four door hatchbacks like these with AWD and some power boosters to fill out the Dodge lineup. An entry level performance compact is just what Dodge needs. Dodge has to become a mainstream and affordable brand again, including the Hornet and Durango SUVs. Take my word, these compacts would sell well for Dodge. This Shadow does truly inspire what can be for Dodge.

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patfromigh Aug 07, 2024 #2

Imagine a compact Hurricane Turbo four performance two door and four door hatchbacks like these with AWD and some power boosters to fill out the Dodge lineup. An entry level performance compact is just what Dodge needs. Dodge has to become a mainstream and affordable brand again, including the Hornet and Durango SUVs. Take my word, these compacts would sell well for Dodge. This Shadow does truly inspire what can be for Dodge.

Congratulations, you have just described the new Civic Hybrid. That Civic is a 200hp compact. Poor Dodge 🙁, they have to go against that Civic and the new Toyota Camry with a 225 hp standard hybrid system. Did I mention its starting price is 30K? An e-axle is an option, and that setup has slightly more horse power. The new Prius also starts around 30K with an AWD option as well. I'm hoping Toyota will put the 340hp Max hybrid powertrain from the Crown Sedan into the lighter Camry.

Stellantis has chosen a new market niche for Dodge and that brand has to deal with it. It is no longer a blue collar hot rod.

redriderbob Aug 08, 2024 #3

Sad thing is they call the new Civic a compact car, however, its the size of my mom's 2000 Honda Accord EX. I do miss the Big-3 building exciting sedans. If they marketed cars more, I am sure the car market would return. There is a lot of people out there who don't like SUVs and crossovers.

bill burke Aug 08, 2024 #4

Congratulations, you have just described the new Civic Hybrid. That Civic is a 200hp compact. Poor Dodge 🙁, they have to go against that Civic and the new Toyota Camry with a 225 hp standard hybrid system. Did I mention its starting price is 30K? An e-axle is an option, and that setup has slightly more horse power. The new Prius also starts around 30K with an AWD option as well. I'm hoping Toyota will put the 340hp Max hybrid powertrain from the Crown Sedan into the lighter Camry.

Stellantis has chosen a new market niche for Dodge and that brand has to deal with it. It is no longer a blue collar hot rod.

No, I’m just speculating generally on a new DODGE, a brand few would confuse with Honda. Speculation might transform into reality but for now my proposal remains pretty logical, a compact pair of performance enhanced Dodge hatchbacks based off the new STLA small platform. Who cares really what Honda has or does, Dodge is a far different demographic and I bet I’m not too off on the possibilities. I’ve driven a couple of Honda SUVs and was not impressed but I’m a Dodge guy, why would I be impressed?

patfromigh Aug 09, 2024 #5

Dodge established a strong beachhead with the Neon. The small sedan brought fresh blood into the brand, but Bob Eaton's penny-pinching ballooned the warranty costs and hurt reliability. Daimler further diluted the Neon's image despite the SRT4 being added to the lineup.The SRT4 was limited availability and expensive.

The next small Dodge was the Caliber. That half-baked small hatch lasted until the Dart was in production. The Dodge Caliber was replaced in the marketplace by the Subaru Impreza/Crosstrek hatches, which make money for that brand.

The Dart was designed and marketed with one mission in mind, allowing FCA to totally absorb the old Chrysler Corporation operations. It didn't restore any of the lost gains from the Neon, the sedan had fallen out of favor. FCA did not commit the resources into making the Dart a long term success. That market segment was abandoned.

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