Makes › Shelby American › CSX-VNT (1989) · Specialist manufacturer · 1989 Very Rare
Shelby American
CSX-VNT (1989)
First production car with a variable-nozzle turbo (VNT); composite wheels
Still being researched: identification guide, full specifications. Everything shown is checked against the cited sources. Know more? Send us a source.
Photo: LukaCali · CC BY-SA 4.0
Contents
01Overview
At a glance
- Built
- 500 Built
- Years
- 1989
- Engine
- Dodge 2.2 turbo, 1988 Turbo II converted to Turbo IV specification
- Power
- Not yet verified
- Top speed
- 208 km/hFactory: 129 mph · converted
- Body
- Not yet verified
- Designer
- Not yet verified
- In this archive
- Not yet verified
- Surviving
- 216 (registry reported)
Sources and any conflicting figures are in the sections below.
Why it matters
The 1989 CSX-VNT was the last Dodge-based front-wheel-drive car Shelby built. It used a Garrett variable-nozzle turbocharger, which the registry calls the first VNT on a production car, and gold Fiberide wheels made from fibreglass-reinforced plastic, also described as a first.
How rare is it?
Six separate kinds of rarity – never combined into one number.
Each kind of rarity is rated separately and never combined.
02Production & history
Production
Every figure says what it counts.
| What is counted | Figure | Basis | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total model productioncars voluntarily entered in the Shelby Registry list for the 1989 CSX (43% of the registry's production figure); a registration count that includes entries reported totalled or destroyed, not a survivor census | 2163 | Surviving examples | Registry reported |
| Total model productiontotal production | 5001,2 | Factory production | Independently researched |
Independent counts (e.g. engine and colour) are never combined into a calculated figure. Surviving examples are never presented as original production.
History
The engine started as an 1988 Turbo II converted to Turbo IV specification, with an intercooler, a tuned one-piece intake manifold and a variable-nozzle turbo controlled by the car's computer instead of a wastegate. Boost did not rise, but torque was rated at 205 lb-ft at 2,100 rpm and in-gear acceleration improved markedly. The suspension used Monroe Formula GP shocks and struts, larger sway bars and 195/60VR-15 Goodyear tyres. Outside, the car got a large front airdam, rear airdam, bigger trunk wing and Exotic Red paint with gold CSX decals; Recaro seats and wider Gatorback tyres were options.
Variants
How each version differs from the standard CSX-VNT (1989).
No variants documented yet. Have a source? Contribute it.
03Specifications
Technical specifications
Engine
| Engine family | Dodge 2.2 turbo, 1988 Turbo II converted to Turbo IV specification4 Registry reported |
|---|---|
| Engine code | Not yet verified |
| Layout | Not yet verified |
| Displacement | Not yet verified |
| Bore | Not yet verified |
| Stroke | Not yet verified |
| Compression ratio | Not yet verified |
| Fuel system | Not yet verified |
| Induction | Intercooled Garrett variable-nozzle turbocharger (VNT), computer controlled, no wastegate4 Registry reported |
| Power | Not yet verified |
| Power at | Not yet verified |
| Torque | 278 NmFactory: 205 lb-ft · converted4 Registry reported |
| Torque at | 2,100 rpm4 Registry reported |
Transmission & drivetrain
| Gearbox | Not yet verified |
|---|---|
| Gears | Not yet verified |
| Driven wheels | Not yet verified |
Chassis, body & dimensions
| Chassis | Not yet verified |
|---|---|
| Front suspension | Monroe Formula GP struts, larger sway bar4 Registry reported |
| Rear suspension | Not yet verified |
| Brakes | Not yet verified |
| Steering | Not yet verified |
| Body construction | Not yet verified |
| Wheelbase | Not yet verified |
| Length | Not yet verified |
| Width | Not yet verified |
| Height | Not yet verified |
| Front track | Not yet verified |
| Rear track | Not yet verified |
| Kerb weight | Not yet verified |
| Dry weight | Not yet verified |
Performance
| Maximum speed | 208 km/hFactory: 129 mph · converted4 Registry reported |
|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | Not yet verified |
| 0–60 mph | 7.7 s4 Registry reported |
| Standing ¼ mile | 15.7 s4 Registry reported |
| Fuel tank | Not yet verified |
“Not yet verified” means no source has been checked for that value yet. Nothing is estimated to fill a gap.
04Colours & options
Factory colours & interiors
Original paint and trim, with the number of cars in each where a source gives it.
Not yet documented. Have a source? Contribute it.
Factory options & codes
Codes are shown exactly as written by the manufacturer.
Not yet documented. Have a source? Contribute it.
05Individual cars
Chassis register
Every documented car, with its colours, history and where it is now. Open a row for the full record. Known chassis are not automatically authenticated originals.
Not yet documented. Have a source? Contribute it.
Competition history
Every race result of the individual cars, in date order. Click a chassis number to open its full record in the register.
Not yet documented. Have a source? Contribute it.
Auction & sale history
Documented public sales of the individual cars. Click a chassis number to open its full record in the register.
Not yet documented. Have a source? Contribute it.
See one in person
Museums where an example of this car can be seen.
No example is documented on public display yet. Have a source? Contribute it.
06Reference
Identification guide
How to tell an original from a replica or later conversion.
Not yet documented. Have a source? Contribute it.
Sources
Each number links to the exact facts it supports.
-
1
Rare Rides: The 1987 Shelby CSX, Not a Dodge Level B The Truth About Cars · 2019-09-01
- special run of 500 VNTs
- 2
-
3
1989 CSX-VNT registered cars Level B Shelby Registry (shelbyregistry.com)
- 216 registered (43%)
-
4
1989 CSX-VNT Level B Shelby Registry (shelbyregistry.com)
- The engine was an 88 Turbo II converted to Turbo IV specs
- Shelby installed a Garrett turbo with variable nozzles
- torque rating to 205lb-ft at 2100rpm
- 205lb-ft at 2100rpm
- Monroe Formula GP shocks and struts, larger sway bars
- top speed: 129 MPH
- 0-60: 7.7 seconds
- Quarter mile: 15.7
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