Dodge Charger (L-body) - Dodge Shelby Charger

For 1983, Carroll Shelby modified the Dodge Charger, to be sold at Dodge dealers as the Dodge Shelby Charger. Rather than focusing on speed, Shelby modified the suspension and styling. The engine compression was raised for 107 hp (80 kW), and the manual transmission had revised ratios. Shorter springs and special wheels and tires complemented stronger brakes and quicker steering. Outside, a new nose and racing stripes accented the performance image. The body kits, among other parts, were often shipped to dealerships along with the car to be put on after delivery. The reasoning behind this varied, but was said to speed delivery and compensate for ground clearance issues that the cars faced on many car carriers. Production was 8,251 for that first year.

For 1984, the Shelby Charger could be ordered with an optional automatic transmission. 7,552 total Shelby Chargers were sold in this year. The high-output engine (now up to 110 hp (82 kW)) was also available in baseline Chargers and Turismos, though it was rare. These vehicles came dressed in the "Charger 2.2" and "Turismo 2.2" schemes, which included Shelby Charger side GFX, an additional, skinnier, front ground effect (different than the Shelby Charger's due to the quad-headlight fascia), "2.2" decals, and an optional hood scoop.

The MPFI/Turbocharged Turbo I engine, commonly known as a 'T1' was added for Dodge's 1985 Shelby Charger. This engine produced 146 hp (109 kW) and was much changed from its first appearance in the Daytona Turbo the previous year. A Garrett AiResearch T3 turbocharger and Chrysler/Bosch multiple-point fuel injection enabled the 2.2 L engine to produce the additional horsepower. 7,709 Shelby Chargers were made that year (1985), and 7,669 were produced in 1986. 1987 was the final year, with just 1,011 produced, plus 1,000 more Shelby Chargers that were sent to Shelby's Whittier Plant in CA, at which time were modified as the 1987 Shelby GLHS. Dodge Shelby Chargers were available in four different color combinations: Black w/silver skunk stripe (1985–87), Santa Fe Blue w/silver skunk stripe (1983–86), Silver w/Santa Fe Blue skunk stripe (1983–86), and Garnett Red w/silver skunk stripe (1984–87).