Shelby Dakota

The Shelby Dakota was a limited-production performance version of the Dodge Dakota Sport pickup truck. Offered by Shelby for 1989 only, it was his first rear-wheel drive vehicle in many years.

Shelby Dakota
Overview
ManufacturerChrysler Corporation
Shelby
Production1989 (1,500 built)
Body and chassis
ClassMid-size pickup truck
Body style2-door truck
LayoutFR layout
PlatformN-body
RelatedDodge Dakota (first generation)
Powertrain
Engine5.2 L (318 ci) LA V8
Transmission4-speed A500 automatic

The Shelby Dakota started with a short-wheelbase, short-bed, standard-cab pickup. The 3.9 L V6 was removed in place of the 5.2 L V8 with throttle-body injection. On paper, the swap looked simple since both engines were similar, but the tight space in the Dakota's engine compartment meant removing the engine-driven fan in front and using electric ones instead. Removing the belt-driven fan increased the stock 5.2 L V8's output by 5 hp (3.7 kW) up (to 175 hp) but torque was 270 ft⋅lbf (370 N⋅m).

Special wheels and trim, as well as individually numbered dash plaques proclaimed the heritage. At the time, it was the highest-performing pickup truck in existence, except for the Dodge Li’l Red Express Truck, and would set the stage for later factory efforts like the GMC Syclone and Ford F-150 (SVT) Lightning.

The total units were 1,500. 505 in white and 995 in red. One was even made in two-tone with red below the stripe and white above the stripe. List price was $15,813 plus freight.

References

  1. Shelby Dakota page at Allpar.com
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