• Seller: Walter K imble
• Location: Gastonia, North Carolina
• Mileage: 35,000 Shown
• Chassis #: JJ3CC54N5HZ041124
• Title Status: Clean

It has been said many times that a vehicle is only original once. Yet, many enthusiasts looking to make a vehicle “their own”. The new owner of this 1987 Chrysler Conquest can do just that. While this low mileage T.S.I. is largely original, also included with the sale is a trailer-load of N.O.S. parts, aftermarket performance, and good used parts, many of which are long discontinued. In short, you can “build it like you want it” without endless searches for rare parts and accessories. The automotive landscape was changing in the 1980s as manufacturers realized that they didn’t require cubic inches to produce cars with stunning performance. Forced induction was the new catchcry, and nowhere is this better embodied than in this 1987 Chrysler Conquest TSi. This classic is an original and unmolested survivor that presents superbly. It is one of the best remaining examples in the current market, and its condition is guaranteed to turn heads. Its owner purchased the vehicle for his private collection in 2009 but feels the time is right for it to find a new home. Therefore, he has listed the Conquest with us at Barn Finds Auctions.

I have long admired the wide-body Conquest because its lines are elegant but purposeful. It has aged far better than many similar cars from this same era largely due to its lifelong dry, climate-controlled storage. The original X15 code Black paint shines beautifully, looking deep enough to walk into. The car has no history of repairs or restoration and presents as it left the showroom. Dark paint is notorious for exposing panel imperfections, but this classic has no such concerns. The exterior is laser straight, with panel gaps that are tight and consistent. It began its life as part of a new car dealer collection in Michigan and California until retiring to North Carolina in 2009. It received Rusty Jones Rustproofing when new and is unsurprising that this Conquest is a rust-free example. The owner supplied underside shots in the gallery below, which reveal no signs of corrosion or other issues. The trunk floor still shines as new and the original spare is present. The glasswork is original still wearing the Mitsubishi 3 Diamond logo. The alloy wheels present very well and are free of curb damage while doing a fantastic job filling the bulging fenders. The body panels still wear the factory-applied body parts marking labels when new.

The secret to what helped the Conquest T.S.I. stand out from the crowd is exposed when the hood is raised. The engine bay houses the factory 2,555 cc four that sends power to limited slip-equipped rear wheels via a 5-speed transmission. The Mitsubishi-developed powerplant packs exhilarating performance courtesy of fuel injection and factory turbocharger. It generates 188hp and 234ft/lbs of torque, which is sufficient to launch the 3,031 lb. Conquest thru the ¼ mile in 15 seconds on the way to its 142 mph top speed. It is little wonder that Starion badged examples achieved considerable success in international motorsports competitions during this era. This T.S.I. is a numbers-matching example that has not been subject to modification and has not seen much recent action. The current owner recommends a full inspection of components to ensure trouble-free operation before being considered roadworthy. The fuel pump exhibits increased noise during operation, the brake master cylinder is weeping and full maintenance should be performed. Note: the necessary components to address these known flaws as well as a full complement of maintenance parts are among the trailerload of rare N.O.S., reconditioned, and good used parts and accessories included in the sale. Together they represent a welcome form of insurance for this Chrysler.

It is clear that Chrysler combined a love of performance with occupant comfort with the Conquest TSi. The interior remains as it left the factory. The automatic seatbelts function as designed. The buyer will benefit from air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, power mirrors, cruise control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, and a premium Mitsubishi audio system with cassette and graphic equalizer powering four speakers. The original carpet and rare factory Conquest logo floor mats are in excellent condition. The interior is smoke-free and smells fresh denoting its properly covered, climate-controlled storage. Overall the interior presentation is hard to fault. The dash is free of cracks, and the leather seating surfaces are supple and do not show signs of previous repair. The remaining upholstered surfaces and plastic tell a similar story. Showing the benefits of a quality car cover, the vehicle is devoid of U.V. damage as most cars of this age have suffered. The rear cargo area is spotless and the original gas struts function well.

As we reflect back on vehicles from the 1980s which have spent quite a spell in the automotive wilderness, many have been largely overlooked by collectors who instead had their collective focus on cars and trucks for the halcyon days of the ’60s and ’70s. There is however a growing band of enthusiasts who have come to recognize that they offer a relatively cost-effective entry into the collector car world. There are a growing number of enthusiasts who couldn’t afford cars like this Conquest TSi when new but are now in a financial position to transform a seemingly forgotten dream into reality. Achieving that dream could be a bid away and I can’t think of a better reason to pursue this Conquest further. Payment is to be made with a cashier’s check or wire transfer from a U.S. banking institution.

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