A Mitsubishi captive that by no means discovered a perpetually residence.
They’re referred to as captive imports, they usually’re not as frequent as they as soon as had been. A captive import is a car constructed by a international producer, and bought below the banner of a home maker. The GEO lineup of automobiles and vehicles was comprised completely of captive imports.
1986 Dodge Conquest
Captive Imports
Offered by means of Chevrolet sellers between 1989 and 1997, GEO’s lineup included the Metro, which was constructed by Suzuki, the Prism, which was provided by Toyota, and the Storm, which got here by means of Isuzu.
However whereas GEO tapped various makers for its portfolio, Chrysler proved remarkably loyal to single supplier of typically inexpensive small automobiles: Mitsubishi. The connection goes again so far as 1971, when Dodge bought it’s first Mitsubishi, the Colt. Plymouth, too, one other Chrysler model, would go on to promote the Colt—yup, identical title—in addition to the Cricket, Arrow, and Sapporo.
Dodge Conquest/Plymouth Conquest
However, these had been principally smaller, sensible automobiles, all with enticing value tags. That stated, the Sapporo was a cultured little couple associated mechanically to the topic of this text. However, till 1987, nothing bearing the Chrysler badge had been constructed by Mitsubishi. And when Chrysler lastly did promote a automobile constructed by the Japanese maker, it was fairly particular. However this could occur solely after Dodge and Plymouth had a crack at it first.
New for 1984 was the Dodge and Plymouth (yup, each manufacturers, on the identical time) Conquest. A clone of the Mitsubishi Starion sports activities coupe, the Conquest was a world-class efficiency automobile that includes all kinds of go-fast goodies principally unknown to both Dodge or Plymouth franchises, together with: a gas injected, turbocharged, intercooled engine that includes stability shafts and a turbo water jacket, and a chassis NOT derived from Chrysler’s drained Okay-Automobile structure.
However, with a beginning value of practically $13,000, the Conquest wasn’t nicely suited to Dodge and Plymouth showrooms, locations the place the frequent Aries and Reliant respectively bought for as little as $6000.
Chrysler Conquest
After two years of being bought as a Dodge and a Plymouth, the Conquest was promoted to premium standing, and commenced sporting a Chrysler badge for 1987. Gross sales of the Conquest by no means took off, nevertheless, maybe as a result of Chrysler clients, nonetheless very keen on vinyl roofs and wire wheel covers, didn’t know what to make of the rakish, 176-horsepower sports activities automobile.
The advert featured right here is enjoyable as a result of it consists of a number of stats, most of that are unnecessarily rounded to the a whole lot place, and a reasonably dramatic picture of the Conquest. The automobile was discontinued after two years as a Chrysler, having by no means actually been up to date in any method over its six-year run.
This editor loves the styling, which is unapologetically Japanese, and the blocky, super-cool five-spoke wheels.
Conquest Costs
A fast scan of Conquest gross sales—of any model—produced asking costs starting from $10,000 to $30,000, with most automobiles listed for round $15,000. Not unhealthy for a short-lived captive import that by no means actually discovered a house.
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Conquest Photos
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