Build Up to the Shelby CSX, From a Dodge Shadow
The Shelby CSX took the performance elements of the Dodge Shadow to create a vehicle that rivaled muscle cars during the time period.
Written by Alexandra Maloney
Reviewed by Lisa Steuer McArdle
Although it was only available for a few years in the late 90s, the Shelby CSX is well known in the automotive world as an
iconic classic car
. But did you know, the Shelby CSX was actually inspired by the Dodge Shadow in many ways? How did the Dodge Shadow Inspire the Shelby CSX?
The Shelby CSX, which stands for the Carroll Shelby Export, was based on the turbocharged, intercooled Dodge Shadow. Essentially, as vehicles like the Dodge Shadow and Plymouth Sundance were popular in the automotive world, they were reworked and reimagined into the Shelby CSX for a more performance-centered approach.
As
HotCars
reports, the Shelby CSX is an example of the performance-oriented vehicles the Carroll Shelby Enterprises adjusted Dodge Shadows into. The Shelby CSX took elements from the Dodge Shadow like the turbocharged engine some Shadows had, plus had an intercooler like the Shadow.Let Jerry find your price in only 45 seconds
No spam · No long forms · No fees
More on the Dodge Shadow
Introduced in 1987 and discontinued in 1994, the Dodge Shadow was a three-door, affordable, hatchback. According to HotCars, the Dodge Shadow, and its almost identical counterpart the Plymouth Sundance, came with a variety of four-cylinder engines ranging from 2.2 or 2.5-liters, and later a 3.0-liter V6 engine.
Some Shadows were turbocharged and could produce up to 175 hp with 205 lb-ft of torque. There were various versions of the Dodge Shadow over the time it was in production, including a convertible, a sport model, and a Dodge Shadow ES for European markets.
By 1990, the Dodge Shadow came standard with a driver’s side airbag, which gave the vehicle a great crash test mark for its size during the time period. However, some Dodge Shadows don’t meet Canadian safety requirements, and therefore 1994 Dodge Shadows can not be imported to Canada.
More on the Shelby CSX
The first Shelby CSX appeared in 1987 and was discontinued by 1989. The Shelby CSX came with a 2.2-liter, turbocharged engine that produced 174 hp. It could do a 0 to 60 mph acceleration in 6.8 seconds and was extremely lightweight with an intercooler. These statistics make the Shelby CSX have a performance comparable to most muscle cars during the time period.
The Shelby CSX-T, which excluded the intercooler, was made in 1987 and given to the President of Thrifty rental company. The final Shelby, called the CSX-VNT, was produced in 1989 and included the Garrett variable nozzle turbo and lighter aluminum wheels. The Shelby CSX was discontinued after 1989.
Are you overpaying for car insurance?
Compare quotes and find out in 45 seconds.
4.7You might also be interested
