A Mitsubishi captive that by no means discovered a eternally dwelling.
They’re known as captive imports, they usually’re not as frequent as they as soon as have been. A captive import is a automobile constructed by a international producer, and bought underneath the banner of a home maker. The GEO lineup of vehicles and vans was comprised solely of captive imports.
1986 Dodge Conquest
Captive Imports
Bought via 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 a variety of makers for its portfolio, Chrysler proved remarkably loyal to single supplier of typically reasonably priced small vehicles: 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, similar identify—in addition to the Cricket, Arrow, and Sapporo.
Dodge Conquest/Plymouth Conquest
However, these have been principally smaller, sensible vehicles, all with engaging value tags. That mentioned, 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 automotive constructed by the Japanese maker, it was fairly particular. However this is able to 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 similar time) Conquest. A clone of the Mitsubishi Starion sports activities coupe, the Conquest was a world-class efficiency automotive that includes all types of go-fast goodies principally unknown to both Dodge or Plymouth franchises, together with: a gas injected, turbocharged, intercooled engine that includes steadiness 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 fitted 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 carrying a Chrysler badge for 1987. Gross sales of the Conquest by no means took off, nonetheless, 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 automotive.
The advert featured right here is enjoyable as a result of it contains 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 automotive was discontinued after two years as a Chrysler, having by no means actually been up to date in any manner 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 vehicles 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 Footage
Click on beneath for enlarged photos
