5k: DSMint: 1992 Eagle Talon TSi Autotragic, Low Miles, Minty Clean
Diamond Star Motors (DSM) was the name of a Chrysler/Mitsubishi joint venture to manufacture automobiles for the US Market. Most famous of the DSM collection is the Mitsubishi Eclipse/Eagle Talon/Plymouth Laser 2+2 that was available with turbocharged engines and all-wheel-drive 10 years before the Subaru WRX hit the US market. This 1992 Eagle Talon TSi is for sale in Portland, OR, currently bidding at $6,300 with a few hours to go on ebay.
The Eagle Talon certainly had the best name of the DSM triplets – especially given the tenacious grip of its all-wheel-drive system. Most Talons have long been driven into the ground or given monster turbo swaps, but this example looks factory fresh with only 24k miles on the odometer.
The turbocharged Talons could be identified by the stickers covering every panel proclaiming TSi – or the prodigious hood bulge that was ostensibly to provide for clearance for the DOHC engine cam gear cover – but DSMers tell us that the stock non-bulge hood will fit – so the proboscis is strictly cosmetic. The 2.0 liter turbocharged and intercooled inline-4 will put out 180 horsepower when attached to an automatic transmission (the 5-speed cars used a slightly larger turbocharger and put out 195 hp).
The inside of this Eagle is positively mint – a real treat compared to most of the trashed versions you will find for sale.
It is a real shame this low mile example comes equipped with the autotragic – but likely this will keep the bidding price low. Here’s another photo to show how nice and clean everything looks on the inside.
It is unclear what the long term value of a mint condition Eagle Talon will look like – but given the choice between this 20 year old DSM and a 5 year old Civic for similar price…we’d take the Talon every time!
See a better DSM for sale? email us here: tips@dailyturismo.com
~ these Talon cars and their siblings were not of much interest to me when new, primarily because of my affection for it's cousin, the Mitsubishi 3000GT/Dodge Stealth, a far more sophisticated, attractive, and desirable grand touring car. still the intervening years give this example a decided appeal i haven't felt for them previously. low miles and good care; there is no substitute.
~ should have mentioned, hats off to DAVE & the previous owner. remarkable car & superior presentation. i can't imagine this is an easy unit to let go.
What a wonderful and well-preserved example of this Diamond-star coupe! Brings back memories – used to see these all the time: the Mitsu Eclipse, the Plymouth Laser, and of course the Eagle Talon like this one. The TSi was a cherished AWD version. I wish Mitsu still made good sports coupes like they did with these triplets. The interior of this one looks fantastic, wow! I'm actually drooling a bit…