This rare 1991 Dodge Spirit R/T is a true
"sleeper" and a legendary piece of Mopar history. Famously dubbed the
"fastest sedan produced in America" at its debut, this car was
engineered to embarrass high-end sports cars of the era while maintaining the
unassuming profile of a family sedan.
I purchased this car on Bring a Trailer in April 2025 (Lot
#187,769) and am now offering it for sale to a new enthusiast.
The Legend: Performance Highlights
Under the hood lies the heart of the R/T: the Turbo III
2.2-liter inline-four. This engine features a Lotus-designed 16-valve
DOHC cylinder head and a Garrett turbocharger, delivering a factory-rated
224 horsepower and 217 lb-ft of torque.
- 0-60
MPH: 5.8 seconds (faster than a contemporary BMW M5 or Nissan 300ZX
Turbo).
- Top
Speed: 141 mph.
- Transmission:
5-speed manual transaxle with a Getrag-sourced gearset (the only
transmission offered for the R/T).
Vehicle Details
- Exterior:
Finished in Indy Red with R/T-specific monochromatic aerodynamic bodywork,
including a color-keyed grille, side skirts, and a rear spoiler.
- Interior:
Gray cloth sport bucket seats with the iconic striped gradient inserts.
- Mileage:
Approximately 156,000 miles.
- Wheels:
Original 15" alloy wheels with color-matched accents.
- Features:
Power-adjustable driver’s seat, air conditioning, cruise control, trip
computer, and four-wheel disc brakes.
Condition & History
This car was a long-term, original-owner vehicle prior to my
purchase. It remains a highly original example of a very rare production
run—only 1,208 Spirit R/Ts were produced in 1991.
- Mechanical:
The Turbo III engine pulls strong, and the Getrag 5-speed shifts as it
should.
- Exterior:
The paint shows well for its age, though there is some expected wear and
minor imperfections consistent with the mileage, as noted in the original
BaT listing.
- Documentation:
Includes manufacturer’s literature and records from previous ownership.
Why Buy This Car?
The Spirit R/T is the ultimate "if you know, you
know" car. It is a staple of the RADwood era and continues to gain
appreciation among collectors for its unique Lotus-Chrysler pedigree. Whether
you're looking for a unique weekend cruiser or a historically significant
addition to a Mopar collection, this Spirit R/T delivers performance that still
surprises today.
Located in Santa Barbara, California.
Please feel free to ask any questions or request specific
photos. Good luck bidding on this rare 90s icon!