Modified by Shelby and bore his name, but sold under the Dodge marquee
1983
Priced at $8,290
The first result of the renewed relationship between Carroll Shelby and Lee Iacocca was the 1983 Dodge Shelby Charger released mid-year.
Based on the Dodge Charger, the Shelby Charger’s modifications included an enhanced 2.2-liter, 4 cylinder OHC engine with a revised camshaft and 9.6:1 compression
ratio. A new 5-speed transaxle blended with closer gear ratios for an overall top gear ratio of 2.78. These changes turned out 107 hp at 5600 rpm, 13 hp more than the standard 2.2. Torque peak was 127 lb-ft at 3600. The Shelby Charger went from 0-60 in 9.0 seconds and had a 16.8 second ET at 82 mph; top speed was 117.
The Shelby also received a special performance exhaust system, all-new 14:1 fast ratio power steering, high capacity power brakes with vented front discs and larger rear drums, engine dress-up that included a chrome valve cover, and special sports suspension that improved the already responsive handling.
The shocks were notably stiffer all around. Shorter springs, which lowered the car almost in inch, were 30% stiffer in the front and 15% stiffer in the rear. New low-profile P195/50R-15 Goodyear Eagle GT steel-belted radials with raised black letters mounted on new 4-lug aluminum “pizza” wheels.
Shelby aerodynamic designs included a new nosepiece with functional air dam. The ducktail spoiler and ground effect side skirts were carried over from the Charger 2.2.
It was available in only two color schemes: Santa Fe Blue Crystal Coat primary color with Radiant Silver Crystal Coat as secondary accent color; Radiant Silver Crystal Coat primary color, with Santa Fe Blue Crystal Coat as secondary accent color.
A “Shelby” decal was displayed on rear quarter panel/lower lift gate glass. A distinctive wide “center” stripe and Shelby identification distinguished this car from all others. Both colors featured an identical interior, covered in blue and silver.
The seats were unique to the Shelby and featured the Shelby CS logo embroidered on the front seat headrests and back bench seat. Other standard interior items included an AM radio, a console, and an armrest.
OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT
Air conditioning
Cooling engine — Maximum cooling (not available with air conditioning)
Defroster — Rear Window
Sun Roof — Removable glass
Tonneau cover — Rear cargo area
Speed control — automatic
RADIOS:
AM/FM Stereo — Manual tuning
AM/FM Stereo — Electronic tuning
AM/FM Stereo — Electronic tuning with cassette and Dolby system
OPTIONAL PACKAGES:
Light Package — Included: Headlamp-on warning buzzer — Glove box light — Ignition switch light with time delay — Luggage compartment light — Map light
Protection Group — Included: Floor mats, front and rear — Undercoating
Cold Weather Package — Included: 430-ampere maintenance-free battery — Rear window defroster — Engine block heater
EXTERIOR COLORS:
Two-Tone
Santa Fe Blue Crystal Coat/Radiant Silver Crystal Coat
Radiant Silver Crystal Coat/Santa Fe Blue Crystal Coat
INTERIOR
Standard on Shelby Charger: Cloth high-back seats with integral head restraints and reclining seatbacks. Fold-down rear seat. Offered in Blue and Silver cloth with Shelby logo on front and rear seats.
Production: 8,251
3,066 (or 3,069) silver with blue stripe and 5,185 (or 5,182) blue with silver stripe.
1984
Priced at around $9,600
For 1984, while other Charger models acquired a new four-lamp front, the Shelby kept its original nose, though it did receive the mildly revised Charger instrument panel. In all other aspects the Shelby Charger remained mostly unchanged.Production: 7,552
1,955 featured automatic transmission