1987 Shelby Lancer

1987 also marked the year that Shelby made his own Lancer. This car was significantly different, however, reguarding its mission: rather than aiming to be another purpose-built street racer, the Shelby Lancer set its sights high - on the great touring/sport sedans of Europe. As such, Carroll instructed that the Lancer be much more lavishly equipped than his previous Dodge-based offerings.

On the inside, the impressively-long list of standard equipment included all of the following: air conditioning; full-length console with arm rest; overhead console with compass, outside temperature, and courtesy lights; dual illuminated vanity mirrors; full instrumentation (except for the lack of boost guage, which Dodge didn't offer in the Lancer ES); premium sound insulation; lights everywhere: ash tray, reading, courtesy map, door courtesy, rear seat courtesy, glove box, cargo, and dome; power mirrors; power windows; power door locks; driver's side power seat; rear defrost; split folding rear seat; and tilt steering with signature steering wheel.

The sound system deserves special mention, as it was very unique and extravagant for its time: it was a 120 watt Pioneer DEX77 AM/FM Stereo CD player with an integrated 9-band equalizer and anti-theft coding capability. It utilized two amps and featured 10 speakers. (Collector's note: when buying a used Shelby Lancer, verify that the stereo is intact!)

Mechanically, it was a bit different from a Lancer ES. It was equipped with Monroe Formula GP struts and shocks, and I believe the sway bars (1 1/16" front, 1 1/8" rear) were of increased diameter. Each wheel well was stuffed full of Goodyear Eagle VR 'Gatorbacks' in size 205/60VR15; these were mounted on Shelby CSS one-piece cast aluminum wheels which were black with a polished lip. The brakes were also better: power ventilated 10.1"x.94" disks up front with solid 10.6" disks out back.

The engine was once again a converted Turbo II, developing the familiar 175 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque. Weighing in at about 3000lbs, however, caused the Shelby Lancer to manage no better than 7.2 seconds from 0-60 with an ET of 15.7 seconds at 89mph; top speed was a solid 130mph. These numbers, however, compared favorably with your typical BMW or Audi sedan.

Externally, the car was available only in Graphic Red with a dose of black graphics stating 'Shelby' or 'intercooled turbo' and so on. All trim was blacked out including the grill and headlight surrounds. The Shelby Lancer had a set of subtle driving lights integrated into the airdam.

The production was limited to 800 cars. Supposedly, 400 of these were automatics and 400 had a 5-speed. The automatic cars featured leather seats while the stick shifts had premium cloth. I say supposedly because I have heard rumors of a few leather-equipped 5-speeds. Also, some insist that the split was not exactly 400-400. Since I have no factory proof one way or the other, I am following the general trend here. (If you have evidence for any of these numbers, please email me at the address below!)

Modified 2/27/98.