Low Mile Galant: 1983 Plymouth Sapporo
Before I get too far into this next car I want to point out that it is monstrously overpriced, even if it only has 13,500 miles on the odometer. Despite the high price tag, it is an interesting example of the Chrysler corporation’s obsession with badge engineering. The Sapporo was a rebadged version of the Mitsubishi Galant Lambda and exported in small quantities to the US Market to compete with base model Mustangs, Celicas & Camaros. Mitsubishi’s pony car didn’t last past the 1983 model year and was replaced by the DSM (diamond star motors) front-drive based coupes. Find this 1983 Plymouth Sapporo offered for $21,900 in Shaker Heights, OH via craigslist.
From the seller:
1983 Plymouth Sapporo
fuel: gas
odometer: 13500
title status: clean
transmission: manual
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13,500 ORIGINAL MILES … Unrestored & pristine … 2.6 liter … 5-speed … Beige Crystal Coat … Original paint, interior, powertrain … Ice cold A/C …
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This brings back memories. Had an 81 Challenger (more badge engineering) equipped just like this one back in the day. Loved that little car – got about 140k out of it before the head cracked, which appears to be the Achilles Heel of the 2.6. It’s probably been 20 years since I’ve seen one on the road.
I was at the 1st Concours d’Lemons back in 2009 and thought I’d seen the last one then.
https://flic.kr/p/6WgnHb
There’s a strong element of early fox body Mustang to these.
The Starion / Conquest was the more immediate replacement; I believe they were the same platform with minor revisions (and a turbo, of course). I’d like to see one of those done up with a 4G63 and a lot of boost.