Someone talk me out (into) this 1988 Shelby Lancer

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GNARBEQUE@reddit

THERES PLENTY OF PEOPLE ON FACEBOOK GROUPS INTO THESE

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HuyFongFood@reddit

That’s a Lancer Shelby aka a Dodge produced Lancer ES Turbo with Shelby’s name on it.

Not the Shelby Lancer that Shelby produced in Whittier, California.

Now, with that pedantic nonsense out of the way, the fact is they are essentially same cars, but the Shelby Lancer’s have more “value” due to being numbered and having a MSO from Shelby.

The nice part is that you don’t have to worry about keeping it original (or making it original again) to hold onto any residual value it might have as a numbered car and you can instead have fun with it and not worry too much if you want to change it to suit UOUR wants.

Have fun, enjoy and learn a lot!

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whatskeeping@reddit

Dam, I'd say go for it but I was looking at a Ford Probe so im as bAlternator?

My concern is parts availability. Can you get brakes? Altenator?

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NuclearHateLizard@reddit

Bro this is my kinda dumb. I say go for it

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External_Balance_122@reddit (OP)

Hahaha, I only get involved with dumb projects. Keeps life interesting.

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NuclearHateLizard@reddit

It looks like a lot of fun no lie!

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rooodogg@reddit

Quick car, would destroy 5.0 mustangs in stock form, go for it!

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Diogenes256@reddit

I could take 5.0s in my 87 SHO. I remember these things being one that I would have considered. I think it was the 16 valve? Advertised 215 ho. Definitely a hot car at the time.

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ActionHour8440@reddit

Cosmetic and Shelby parts are hard to find, but everything else is readily available. There’s still a following for the 2.2 turbo cars. I know there’s a forum and speed shop website for them but I can’t remember the name, been 15 years since I sold my Daytona Z.

While not technically impressive by modern standards these cars a lot of fun to drive and easy to work on.

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Mrock0403@reddit

Turbo Dodge was/is the forum I typically source for info. Turbo Mopar was also one I believe. Thedodgegarage.com (aka Donovan’s garage) is also another good source for info. There’s a few sites for performance parts if OP buys it and needs recs there I can give them.

Source: own a ‘86 Daytona Z going on 13 years.

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keep_username@reddit

It’s got a turbo…. Go for it!

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Confident-Benefit600@reddit

Walk away, just because its a shelby by name, these were horrible cars fell apart so fast..i had a girl friend that had to replace everything under the hood but the block by like 45k, i was following her home one night watching the sparks coming from her new alternator as we went down the road.....ecks

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bygoneOne@reddit

The value will increase over time due to its rareness alone. Especially if you keep it in drivable condition. I have a '93 Z34 becoming rarer every day.

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TransientDusk@reddit

I was just telling my buddy last weekend about the Shelby Omni, lol. The 80s were all over the place, man.

Go for it.

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External_Balance_122@reddit (OP)

Its and done deal. 1050 delivered. After writing the post, I had to have it even more. They look sick in red with black trim. And orange a 5 speed manual. No auto

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Wild_Onion_5979@reddit

Yeah i was going to say if you don't buy it give me the info and I'd buy it 😅

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External_Balance_122@reddit (OP)

Its in Fort Worth, Texas. i have no problems with someone else getting before I can get to it. I'm currently out of town and not getting back till this evening and won't be delivered till then. If you want the info, I can forward it. 950 ain't bad.

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IRingTwyce@reddit

It's a damn good thing I didn't see this until now. I need this like I need a donkey kick to the head, but I want it anyway!

Have fun with it!

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Wild_Onion_5979@reddit

I was just kidding

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External_Balance_122@reddit (OP)

Lol you know you wanna....ill have some fun with it. There's a few guys around here that are into the 80s cars. If I ever need to off load it, im sure ill be able to quickly. Its just to interesting to pass up.

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new52nightwing@reddit

You end up not wanting it I’ll come up from Austin to come get it.

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External_Balance_122@reddit (OP)

I'm out of town for work. I'm supposed to be home late this evening but don't think it's going to happen. I would not care one bit if it sold before I got to it. Honestly, there's an 84 volvo 240 turbo i have my eye on as well. I'm a suckered for turbo bricks.

Its on FB marketplace in the Fort Worth area. Just change your search area to Fort Worth, and it should pop up.

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Wild_Onion_5979@reddit

If it was within 100 miles of me I'd buy it 😅

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IBIKEONSIDEWALKS@reddit

Pls dont paint it

I dont know anything about that engine but this could be a silly shitbox sleeper car

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External_Balance_122@reddit (OP)

Give it a good sanding and clear coat and done deal. No paint. Had that thought cross my mind.

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IBIKEONSIDEWALKS@reddit

Try to keep sanding at a minimum, pick off loose flakes. This is the kind of paint job only mother nature can make (i know people do but thats fake and gay)

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AFreePeacock@reddit

Yesss please post updates

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Fox7285@reddit

Wait, it's a manual?

Sick.

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External_Balance_122@reddit (OP)

Yep, manual 5 speed. If it was auto, I wouldn't even consider it. Imagine the front wheel torque steer burnouts with a little more boost 😄 🤣

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PracticalDaikon169@reddit

Little 1/2 1/2 inch block under the left front sway bar to preload the right under power .

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me_mark77@reddit

Had a Lebaron GTS back in the day, turbo and manual as well. I loved driving mine and I think you’ll love driving this. Trim some of the weight during the rebuild and you’ll be amazed.

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PracticalDaikon169@reddit

555

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curiousbydesign@reddit

Can't wait for your future updates!

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BaconJacobs@reddit

There was an old issue of Sport Compact Car magazine (RIP) that I still have somewhere with a guy who I think made one in hatchback form hit 300 wheel HP.

Definitely worth reading some older publications for tuning tips!

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TransientDusk@reddit

Hell yeah get after it.

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shopboss1@reddit

You'll spend 20k and it'll still be worth less that 1k.

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mcsvt@reddit

This is technically a "Lancer Shelby" it's not one of the 1 of 500 numbered cars (those were all red). These are still fun cars and all the parts interchange with pretty much all the "k based" cars. If it runs good, they can be fun on the cheap. Beware they tend to multiply once you get one.. somehow I've cut myself back to only an '86 Omni GLHS.

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Tje199@reddit

80's Turbo Dodges are a weird disease, for sure. You're right though, this isn't a CSX, it's the Lancer Shelby which is a rare trim option. I saw one crushed near me, sadly.

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External_Balance_122@reddit (OP)

Thanks for the info. I'm not to familiar with these cars. It appears you're right, though. This had Chrysler based suspension components and not the Monroe gp f1s. Which is fine cause I doubt those can be found anyway.

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Cool_Ad_5181@reddit

Fucking send it. I used to own a dodge spirit which is not nearly as cool but in the same family and loves the shit out that car. Also the dash is identical to my dodge dakota which is also hilarious and awesome.

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havok0159@reddit

TURBO!

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PracticalDaikon169@reddit

I want it. You should get it.

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PracticalDaikon169@reddit

I have parts for it

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Reptull_J@reddit

Kinda reminds me of the Dodge Spirit. Those little turbo cars were fun.

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ShaggysGTI@reddit

I had a Plymouth Sundance, the non turbo, and it was terrible. If you’re building a FWD sleeper, this is it.

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RexCarrs@reddit

Got lotsa money?

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Big-Energy-3363@reddit

Turd money pit!

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Accomplished-Hat6417@reddit

Surprised it still runs, you never see any dodge/ Chrysler from that time

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WK2Over@reddit

Oooof, always loved those, but you’d be making yourself quite the bed to lie in there. 🤭 Okay, yeah, do it!

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cathode-raygun@reddit

It's weird, rare, restorable and affordable, I'd say to go for it.

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barelybuickregal@reddit

Good luck with vacuum lines

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External_Balance_122@reddit (OP)

I've probably been through worse way worse.

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barelybuickregal@reddit

Its a never ending chase, but you should do it anyway

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Anxious_Intention_74@reddit

You need this bad decision in your life.

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joegekko@reddit

This is a horrible idea. You should do it.

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SumScrewz@reddit

had a plymouth sundance turbo, i miss that car

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Bedroominc@reddit

That is an extremely good engine if my dad is to be believed. An easy 300hp car.

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ScottyArrgh@reddit

I have an 87 Shelby CSX in need of a restoration. The 2.2L motor produces quite a lot of torque; these cars are tons of fun and decently light — they will surprise a number of cars :)

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scuba_steve77@reddit

As long as the rust is just superficial I say go for it.

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IceInteresting3661@reddit

Sounds stupid. Do it

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Srb3ard@reddit

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dustsmoke@reddit

Looks like hell, it'd be hilarious. Definitely buy.

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External_Balance_122@reddit (OP)

Pretty much my thinking. Do i need it? Hell no, is it worth the trouble? No, money pit? Probably. Any resale value down the road? Nope...perfect!

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DFA_Wildcat@reddit

We bought a Chrysler LeBaron GTS new in 84 that had the 2.2 turbo & manual. I think it was a 5 speed? Drove it across Canada a couple times. It was pretty peppy for what it was, basically a fancy souped up K car. My mother wrote it off in 86 when she hit water running across the highway during spring runoff.

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D86592@reddit

get a shelby charger turbo and report back

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Empty_Employment_639@reddit

Go watch Haters Garage and his Shelby 2.2 project. He refers to it at one point as "Lee Iacocca's nutsack".

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BunglingBoris@reddit

Well, you'll struggle to find one in worse condition. The before and after photos will look amazing.

Do it

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External_Balance_122@reddit (OP)

Done deal. Being delivered today for 1050 well pending pics of the under carriage. Gotta me sure its not rusted out in the sub frame. Honestly, I might strip it down and track it at our local track days.

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HiFiMarine@reddit

Damn.... I'm in Fort Worth and I was about to run this down. Had one in high school and that thing was a party car that could haul ass! My wife is very happy that you bought this shit box before I could.

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External_Balance_122@reddit (OP)

It's not here yet. You have time, lolol. If you want it I can send the link. Honestly, I have my eye on this 84 volvo 240 turbo as well. Gotta love them turbo rwd bricks. I'm just out of town until late this evening, possibly until tomorrow morning.

It honestly looks to be in real good, restoratble condition.

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Street-Dependent-647@reddit

Lemons would probably LOVE to see one of these on track

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BunglingBoris@reddit

Congratulations on your new shit box 😊😊

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Far-Wave-821@reddit

God its so ugly

You HAVE to buy it 😆

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External_Balance_122@reddit (OP)

Hahaha, its a done deal. I love ugly 80s car, but honestly, I don't think this one is all that ugly. Little odd? Yes, ugly nah, just lowly modified Chrysler sedan with dual rally spoilers for some reason.

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Bubbly-Pirate-3311@reddit

Sounds dumb and like a money pit. Send it.

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No_Manches_Man@reddit

DO IT!

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ro9ce@reddit

Congratulations on your Shelby! Not many people can say they own one, that’s for sure, and I love your car. There was one in my hometown in forest green with (maybe) gold accents. Yours is going to be amazing! Thanks for sharing!

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Highlander2748@reddit

They were crap brand new. Almost thirty years of use and lackadaisical ownership can only improve it. I would offer the seller more than asking so you can be sure to bring this gem home!

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0e78c345e77cbf05ef7@reddit

I had an 89 Dodge Shadow Turbo.... this looks very similar.

I see you have bought it already. NICE.

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Etherwave80@reddit

This was my first car and I wouldn't wish it upon anyone. Good luck getting up Hills. That car lacks in.... everything. Godspeed bud. If I would have known you could sell a horrible shitbox for a 1050 I would be rich. I paid a dollor for mine from a used dealership in 87 with another trade in.

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Heliyum2@reddit

Do it.

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Street_Mall9536@reddit

The torque steer will pull your shoulders out of the sockets.

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External_Balance_122@reddit (OP)

Looking forward to it.

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New_Novel5143@reddit

I can’t in good conscious

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pj48089@reddit

lol. I had one. Lot of issues and I think i got $500 when I sold it. Good luck!

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jorzech2@reddit

Buy it

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Narrow-Escape-6481@reddit

Im all about my problematic nostalgia cars, so I'd buy knowing that im going to have to change that headgasket sooner than later.

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External_Balance_122@reddit (OP)

Anything I buy i go in knowing a full engine tear down is needed lol. Luckily, this is an 80s 4 banger, not exactly a masterful peace of engineering that will be a pita.

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Narrow-Escape-6481@reddit

My first ever engine and transmission rebuild was on one if these (the 88 new Yorker turbo) after blowing a second head gasket I found a brand new engine that had never been in a car at a career center for $500 but had to have a custom torque converter made because the engine was domestic and then one I removed was the Mitsubishi version or vice versa. Its been about 25 years since then so my memory isn't so great.

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Jamaican_Dynamite@reddit

Get the suspension and brakes sorted out, and this would be a nasty little track car.

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southwestpessimist@reddit

You should drop a Hemi in it

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ReallySmallWeenus@reddit

Do you want a cool project car that you restore and pass down to your kids? This ain’t it.

Do you want a perpetual shitbox that will always be broken in some way and fun to beat on? Party on.

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Probablyawerewolf@reddit

It’ll be worth dozens of dollars someday!

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PanzerFauzt@reddit

dont do it etc, so what parts do you have on order?

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donaldgoldsr@reddit

Bro. It's a must have. Do it. This'll be the only time you ever see one of these beauties! You'll always look back with regret it you don't snatch that mf'er up today!

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joemike@reddit

People complaining about the rust obviously haven’t been in the rust belt. Fenders, running boards, engine bay all look solid. Obviously I can’t see the frame or anything under, but the surface rust is the least of your worries

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External_Balance_122@reddit (OP)

North Texas car. Awaiting pics of underneath. Had my fair share of sub frame rust surprises. I've repaired worse, but on cars that were worth it. It'll be ok what's life without a gamble and risk.

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generaldogsbodyf365@reddit

I'm from the UK, so I love stuff like this. Tidy looking car in factory paint.....

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shelby_Lancer

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m5online@reddit

I'd do it. Spend some time on the engine, slap on a cheap Maaco paint job, spend some time cleaning up the interior and slap on some cool seat covers and you got yourself a coold playing around car with some oomph..

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WolfvonDoom@reddit

This generation of cars including Laser and Daytona are not really supported by parts so you should keep that in mind.

I see you have gone ahead. I would only do that personally if I was going all in and getting 2 or 3 parts cars.

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lightingthefire@reddit

Nice! It really looks like a 4-door Mustang. Keep us updated on progress.

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AngryScottish@reddit

As a person who owns a low production car (<220 units produced), the biggest problem is finding replacement parts. Mechanical stuff can usually be cross-referenced, but the stuff that makes the car unique is what can be problematic.

If you're ok with using knockoffs, custom building your own stuff, or paying premiums for the OEM stuff... Go for it.

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External_Balance_122@reddit (OP)

that's what I fear is the one off Shelby suspension not being available should this need it. Not sure i can find Monroe GP F1 replacement struts and shocks. Mechanically it looks to be complete and good aside from needing a refresh. If anything ill strip it down and track it on track days.

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dicksspin@reddit

Good luck

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YalsonKSA@reddit

"Note: Has been stored in the sea for five years."

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ZeroRain87@reddit

Would that have been a t1 car? Or T2? Its intercool so I think T2. They were super fun and unique. Looks like it shares a ton of parts with the Daytona line. I had an 87 shelby z. Interior looks very similar.

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External_Balance_122@reddit (OP)

T2 car. I've seen one on the road before and thought it was a dolled up Dynasty from the same year. I'm not knowledge about the 80s Shelby cars other than the omni and dayons. Had. O idea a Shelby lancer existed. Way cool.

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RichPhone6390@reddit

How long do you plan on being a virgin?

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Schmalball@reddit

cause, uh, this

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legendary-spectacle@reddit

I enjoy the pizza cutters in the back.

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malinatorhouse@reddit

If it was near my i would look at it and probably pick it up for 950 lol

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External_Balance_122@reddit (OP)

Yeah. Offered 1050 to have him bring it to me. 14 miles away. Done deal. I'm excited. Now I gotta hide it from the wife haha.

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EarthOk2418@reddit

Just park it in a field or in the woods - the patina acts as camouflage…and at no additional charge!

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Aggressive-Relief199@reddit

If you decide to get it, I think it would be awesome. If you didn't touch the paint at all. Just let it patina. I love when cars show their true age

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Delco_Delco@reddit

Sounds like a stupid waste of money. No resale value and it’s a rust bucket. Sounds like a good project!! Also could be a really fun little grocery store sleeper

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tk8398@reddit

Do it, parts are hard to find anymore but that's one of the cooler ones. I would say just make it work and drive it/make a reasonable effort to keep it on the road and not any worse than it is now. Not worth restoring but definitely worth just driving for fun. I would probably do it if I saw one for sale that cheap.

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Who knows what the future will bring. Maybe one day it'll be a crazy valuable collector's car. And anything can be a hot rod if you just keep pouring money on it. Would make a good sleeper.