NOS Equipped: 1989 Chrysler Conquest TSI – Sold?

August 12, 2021 Update – while this “Classifind” expired recently, given the seller’s past history we suspect may not actually be sold yet.  For now, we’re labeling this ride “Sold?” However, we will keep an eye out for an updated listing. In the interim, please reach out either by email or call Rudy directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

July 12, 2021 Update – We just came across a fresh listing for this Chrysler Conquest TSI we first featured in June. While the pictures and description remain the same, the seller lowered their asking price by one thousand to $6,500.

Wouldn’t it be great to go back to the 1980s, when companies like Chrysler were routinely seeking out Japanese models to sell under their own nameplate? The company started this trend with economy cars it didn’t have in its own lineup, and eventually grew to build dream machines like this 1989 Chrysler Conquest TSI originally listed in June 2021 in Ashburn, Virginia (Washington, DC) with some cosmetic flaws, several modifications, and an asking price of $6,500 (down from the original ask of $7,500.)  Comparing this price against the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool confirms this private seller has his Conquest priced somewhat fairly, as a “Good” condition model is valued at $8,500, and a “Fair” condition car at $4,000.

The Conquest had a twin under the Mitsubishi banner, known as the Starion. Virtually identical cars, either one is a safe bet for finding welcoming crowds at your local Cars & Coffee gathering. The rad era loves these turbocharged coupes with box flares and staggered wheels, not to mention totally 80s details like the word “Turbo” baked into the seat belts. The trouble with anything featuring rear-wheel-drive, turbocharging, and two doors from the 1980s and 90s is that they are the vehicle of choice for teenage drivers. Sadly, very few of these badge-engineered twins made it to the 2000s completely stock, or in rust-free condition. With all the hallmarks of a pure sports car combined with the novelty of automatic seat belts and flip-up headlights, the Conquest and Starion are total 80s icons, and in short supply today.

That’s why beggars can’t be choosers when it comes to owning one, as relatively few show up in unmodified condition or without any rust bleeding through the body. Our subject car looks like a winner from ten feet away, and it may still be even after you inspect the details up close. There’s rust inside the lower sill on the passenger side, enough to make a hole, and the paint is tired in spots. Still, seeing it on stock wheels and what looks like stock ride height is encouraging, but you’ll have to look in the cargo hold to see why it’s not exactly as the factory intended: yup, there’s a nitrous bottle back there, and the seller mentions the Conquest has been further modified with an aftermarket intercooler, turbo piping, blow off valve, boost controller, a hot camshaft, boost gauge, and A/F meter. Still, those are parts you can swap out and have a stock driver that just needs some rust repair. Would you keep the nitrous bottle or return it to stock? Either way, good luck with the purchase!

Here’s the seller’s description:

“Too many projects, time for me to let this one go. Decent shape, minimal rust. Has some leaks but runs well. Turbocharged sport package, TSI. Aftermarket intercooler, turbo piping, blow-off valve, boost controller, camshaft, boost gauge, and A/F meter. Has nitrous. New clutch with only about 500 miles on it and short shifter kit. New polyurethane differential, torque tube and sub-frame bushings installed.

Has some original extra parts and some other new parts to go with it that have not yet been installed. This includes a full gasket set for the engine, rebuild kit for power steering pump, and trans and engine mounts.

Clean and clear title in my name. $7500 obo. Fun car, great project, low mileage for age. These are becoming more and more rare. Hate to let it go, but have another car that needs my attention. Has been in the family for many years.“

Do you have a Chrysler Conquest story you’d like to share?  Comment below and let us know!