Dodge Detomaso 024 rare original survivor like Charger 2.2, Shelby Charger

Price: - Item location: Arlington, Virginia, United States
Description:

1981 Dodge Other Detomaso

Super rare original survivor Dodge Detomaso!
Before there were the Dodge Charger 2.2, Shelby Charger, Omni GLH, GLHS, or other Mopar front wheel drive performance cars, there was the limited production Dodge Detomaso 024. The Detomaso was the first of these fun to drive and economical performance cars. The Detomaso package included a front air dam, rear spoiler, 14 inch finned alloy wheels, wheel flares, the rally gauge package including tachometer, and leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob on the Dodge Omni 024 hatchback coupe. This 1981 Detomaso also includes the bigger, new for 1981 Chrysler 2.2 liter 4-cylinder engine. While not as fast as the later turbo charged versions, this Detomaso is very peppy, handles well, and is fun to drive.
The Detomaso package also included louvered rear quarter windows, roof targa band, Detomaso graphics, and even Detomaso floor mats, all intact and included... the floor mats have not even been used, they are preserved as new! The Detomaso package was a $1719 option on the base $6149 Dodge Omni 024. With other options, this Detomaso was priced at $9253. The original window sticker and owners manual are included. This Detomaso also has a period aftermarket AM/FM radio, CB radio, and horn that plays various notes and tunes, all installed by the original owner many years ago (they appear to be from when the car was new).
Since I bought the car from the original owners family in 2011, I have installed new shift bushings, motor mounts, wiper bushings, tires (205/60/14), front brake pads and rotors, and spark plugs. I have also had the alloy wheels refinished and had a new front air dam fabricated using the original as a mold (the original is included with the sale if you want it, it was cracked and age deteriorated). I have done oil and filter changes and installed a new battery, and have driven the car about 1100 miles. The car starts, stops, shifts and accelerates properly. The engine vibrates especially when cold, as these earlier 2.2 engines did, and that causes dash rattles (you have to love those 1980s plastics!), but much of this smooths out as the engine warms up. The gauges and lights work, the radio works, the heater and defroster work (the air conditioning switch clicks on but does not run, likely it is low on coolant but I have never addressed this issue). The clock is not working and the car has cruise control, but it does not appear to be working. Overall, this Detomaso starts right up, accelerates, shifts, rides and handles well and loves to cruise at high way speed!
The body on this Detomaso is in very good, presentable survivor condition. It appears to be all original other than the new air dam and one NOS wheel arch. All of the Detomaso decals (windshield, hatch, and each side) are in good condition. The bumper rub strips are off the car (they are included in the sale so that you can install them if you choose to do so). The headliner is intact but starting to sag, and the hatch struts need to be replaced.
With just over 600 1981 model Detomaso coupes produced, this is a very rare car... even better with the 4 speed stick shift transmission that is fun to drive and quicker than the automatic. And it is original and with all the unique parts... no searching or looking for parts, no restoration required... just get in and drive! Plus it is economical too! This was the car that started the Mopar front wheel drive performance era, including Charger 2.2, Shelby Charger, Omni GLH, and later K-car based cars... but this may be the rarest of them all!
I have described this Detomaso to the best of my knowledge. The Detomaso is sold in 'as is' condition, so if you have any questions or would like to make arrangements to inspect the car, please ask before bidding! I have clear title in my name, and the title and car are immediately available after payment in cash or USPS money order or other mutually satisfactory payment arrangements are cleared in full. The car is garaged and can remain in my garage for a reasonable period of time not to exceed one month prior to the buyer picking up the car. Transport is the responsibility of the buyer.