Cohort Pic(k) of the Day: 1972 Dodge Colt (gen1/Mitsubishi Colt Galant) – Found At Last

tbm3fan has finally found what has eluded us so far: Curbside shots of a gen1 Dodge Colt (Mitsubishi Colt Galant) that was Chrysler’s first Japanese import, starting in MY 1971. This was a big deal, Chrysler’s 15% investment in Mitsubishi, the first of its kind by the Big Three by a number of years, and still in the very early years of the Japanese invasion.

When Perry and I did our CC Dodge Colt Chronicles, the only chapter that didn’t have a curbside car was this one, as they’ve been almost totally gone from the streets for years; more like decades. But here it is, and it will be added to that chapter.

The Colt was a pretty typical Japanese mid-sized car at the times, for their standards. Here it was quite compact for the times; minute in today’s standards, with a 95″ wheelbase. It was powered by a 1.6 L SOHC “Saturn” four, a modern unit that gave it quite lively performance.

This one is sharing its location with an interesting mix of similar vintage company, but quite different in their sizes.

It also seems a bit worse for wear. It looks like it might still be driveable, but its long term future looks a bit shaky.

Check out the controls for the air conditioner! I hadn’t expected to see ac on one of these, but why not? And notice how crude this install was done at the port or dealer. And the proud Chrysler Parts badge! Welcome to the USA!

These Colts arrived at Dodge dealers the same time that the similar format Cricket arrived at Plymouth dealers. That didn’t turn out to be a long term proposition, to put it mildly. meanwhile, the Colt franchise went on for quite a few years.

 

Full story here: CC Dodge Colt Chronicles, Part 1