This 1979 Dodge hatchback joined the St. Regis and Omni 024 as an all-new model in the Dodge lineup. A counterpart of the Plymouth Champ, this subcompact front-drive coupe with transverse MCA-Jet 1400 and 1600cc engines would be called Colt, the third bodystyle with that name plate in the Dodge stable. This 90-inch wheelbase Colt was a real shorty but was long on interior space with large door and hatch openings for its size. The baxe car, of course, got the smaller engine, with the larger one optional on the custom model and standard custom sport. The real piece de resistance on this car was the optional dual-range 4-speed transmission. You shift ranges with a second lever and the clutch, with a light indicating “power” or “economy” for the low and high ranges, respectively. Specifications that included 4-wheel independent suspension, disc/drum brakes, complete sound insulation and a full complement of gauges and instruments added up to a well-rounded car.
And shopping the options list could outfit one like a far larger, more expensive car. On the high-line models, for example, the outside mirrors are electrically controlled, allowing this little Colt to wiggle its mirrors right back at Porsches and 450SL’s. The sport option in yellow and black only, came with cast aluminum wheels, console, larger tires, blackouts and a tachometer.
n the Dodge stable. This 90-inch wheelbase Colt was a real shorty but was long on interior space with large door and hatch openings for its size. The baxe car, of course, got the smaller engine, with the larger one optional on the custom model and standard custom sport. The real piece de resistance on this car was the optional dual-range 4-speed transmission. You shift ranges with a second lever and the clutch, with a light indicating “power” or “economy” for the low and
high ranges, respectively. Specifications that included 4-wheel independent suspension, disc/drum brakes, complete sound insulation and a full complement of gauges and instruments added up to a well-rounded car.
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