29-Years-Owned 1988 Dodge Shelby CSX-T 5-Speed

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

The 1988 Shelby CSX-T (Carroll Shelby eXperimental) Shadow was a limited-production performance compact built by Shelby Automobiles Inc. for Thrifty Car Rental, echoing the spirit of the famed Shelby-Hertz “Rent-a-Racer” Mustangs of the 1960s. Based on the Dodge Shadow, just 1,000 CSX-Ts were produced, all finished in white with gray lower cladding and blue Shelby graphics.

This example is a well-preserved, unmodified survivor with 202,868 miles and a known ownership history dating back to 1992. Powered by a turbocharged 2.2-liter inline-four paired with a five-speed manual transaxle, the CSX-T delivered 146 horsepower and 168 lb-ft of torque — impressive numbers for a front-wheel-drive compact of its era.

Shelby’s enhancements included four-wheel disc brakes, unique badging, and a sport-tuned suspension. The cabin features a Carroll Shelby signature embossed steering wheel and a dashboard plaque denoting its build number, which is number 996 of 1,000 produced. This example remains stock, with a documented history of regular maintenance.

The car received a partial respray in 2014 due to factory paint delamination, and new decals were applied at that time—lower side graphics and rear stripe original. This well-used, enthusiast-owned hot compact coupe is a unique driver ready for RADwood and the open road!

Highlights 

• Rare, unmodified Shelby CSX-T Shadow offered from long-term enthusiast ownership (since 1996) 

• Partially repainted white with gray lower cladding and blue Shelby graphics with gray cloth interior 

• Turbocharged 2.2-liter inline-four rated at 146 hp and 168 lb-ft of torque 

• Shelby dashboard plaque and signature-embossed steering wheel 

• CSX-T #996 of 1,000 built for Thrifty Car Rental 

• Clean CARFAX Vehicle History Report 

• Five-speed Getrag manual transaxle 

 Features 

• Factory 15-inch wheels, rear spoiler, and dual exhaust 

• Factory air conditioning blows cold (serviced August 2025) 

• Power steering and four-wheel disc brakes 

• Boost gauge integrated into center stack 

• New decals added after respray 

• AM/FM cassette stereo 

 Known Imperfections 

• Tires are approximately 10 years old (date code photographed) 

• Fuel gauge inoperable (suspected faulty fuel sending unit)

• Paint could benefit from a cut and buff 

• Typical wear consistent with mileage 

• Minor surface rust on underside

 Included

• Comes with spare rear bumper vinyl stripe 

• New fuel sending unit

• Car cover 

• Keys  

Ownership History 

Sold new in Puyallup, Washington, the accompanying CARFAX Vehicle History Report places this 1988 Shelby CSX-T Shadow in Tacoma, Washington. 

The seller states, “I believe I’m the third owner. I bought it from a friend, who I went with to look at it in I believe 1992 and he bought it. I bought it from him in 1996 and have owned it since. I've put well over 100,000 miles on the car. They were all the same color for 1988, as they were built as rental cars for the Chrysler affiliate of Thrifty Rental Cars.” 

“This car is completely stock. The head gasket has been replaced a couple of times, but no other engine or trans work, other than regular maintenance. I have always used Mobil 1 oil with a filter and quart of oil every 2K and a complete oil change every 10K. I have all the receipts of work done or parts bought, since I bought the car. The headliner has been replaced.”