Tuned by Lotus: 1989 Isuzu I-Mark RS
The Isuzu I Mark is part of the GM ’80s compact car family, built by Isuzu but sold by GM with the name Gemini. The 2nd generation styling (1985-1990) was started by noted Italian designer Giorgetto Giugiaro (known for such designs as the DeTomaso Mangusta, Iso Griffo, ‘the’ Delorean, Ferrari 250GT) but changes demanded by the bottom line driven bean counters at GM caused such a tiff with the Italian master of design that he disavowed any relationship with the car. Find this 1988 Isuzu I-Mark RS here on eBay bidding for $1,750 with 3 days to go, located in Knoxville, TN.
From the seller:
Good running example paint is bad and needs top of seat trim and headrest recovered, needs new struts and fuel regulator AC needs converted to r134 and possibly a new compressor. Daily driven reconditioned head all new gaskets plugs wires timing belt new distributed coil cdi , cleaned and resealed fuel tank new fuel pump and injectors new calipers and rotors new custom exhaust also new valves for he head and head bolts but runs good and will hit the rev limiter like it’s nothing also new tires and an extra computer to tune if you wanted to add an impulse Turbo motor this car unbelievably has no rust. I do have the plastic drain trays (I removed to show no evidence of rust)and the wipers work and the washer fluid sprays out this is the same as the JDM Isuzu Gemini ZZ just ask questions if you need more info.I reserve the right to remove the listing as it is listed locally aswell
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Vacuum and upholstery cleaner could go a long way on this.
I would like to drive this with possibly wider wheels and modern performance tires.
We have discussed the riveted fender flares on here before but it might be a great way to fit a 235/40 17 on this rig. Could be a blast on the autoX track.
I'm not sure that implying that you bounce off the rev limiter regularly is a selling feature.
These always were, of course, rad. But their pedestrian lotmates that made up the vast majority of I-marks on the road BITD seemed so blah. Oh how things change…
…fast forward to 2017 and Giugiaro's design looks pure and light and airy and oh-so-European. Hot hatch version or econobox, this was some of his best work, IMO. Example: lacy A-pillars and the perfect greenhouse proportions. I loves me some Sonic and Fiesta and Maz3, but they are, design-wise, bloated adult cousins squeezed into Sex Pistol t's compared to this lithe little hottie.
Meh, I get that these were cool and all, but I think nostalgia is making us grow fonder than we maybe should be. These were horrible when new, and couldn't touch the competition. A 16v Mk2 GTi was head and shoulders over this car.
As for the styling, it's ok, but it blended into the wallpaper when placed on the same showroom floor as a same-gen Impulse Turbo.