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pcf21
03-07-2004, 10:12 AM
My first new car that I ever owned was a 1978 Plymouth Arrow. It was "Baby Diarrhea Brown", had the smallest available motor, (a 1600CC Mitsubishi Hemi), and a 4-speed. The only option the car had was a rear window defroster.

During the 7 years that I owned the car, I added a GT interior from a wreck that I found in Upper Marlboro Maryland, a modified 2000 motor with a 5-speed, and custom bodywork in the form of a modified AMC SX-4 rear spoiler and an air dam from J.C. Whitney. The car was custom painted and was pretty fast, considering what it was. 240, 280 and 300Zs were no match for it at all.

In the early Summer of 1985, a local kid blew a stop sign and plowed into the driver's side of the car, totalling it. I was absolutely heartbroken and have been searching for a suitable replacement for "my baby" ever since.

Ironically, on the night of my birthday this year, I received an email from a guy who I had contacted about an ad that he had placed back in the Fall of 2003 -- about his 1979 Fire Arrow.

Fire Arrows were like "the ultimate Plymouth Arrow." They came with the "big" 2600 motor, 5-speeds, and every other "normal" option. During the gas crunch of the late '70s and '80s, these were the "factory hot rods." No kidding, these little cars "book."

We have since exchanged numerous emails and have spoken on the phone. He has sent me a ton of photos of the little car and it is about as close to "showroom condition" as one could imagine - it has just over 53,000 original miles, virtually no rust, and an absolutely near-perfect interior. One could eat off of any surface in the engine compartment. He says, and I believe him, that the car runs like a clock, uses no oil, and will drive anywhere.

The good Lord willing, with respect to the weather, we are going to go pick it up in about two weeks. I am so excited, I can hardly contain myself. I can't believe that I even found one - much less one that is in as nice condition as this one is.

I'm sure that most of you are probably thinking that I'm some kind of nut; it's not a "musclecar" -- it's a little Japanese s___box!

All I can say is that I had more fun with my original one than I did with the two '72 Satellite Sebrings, the '69 Dodge Dart, the '68 Fury, and the '69 Coronet Super Bee drag car that I have owned over the years. It was like having "the ultimate sleeper" -- and it was an absolute hoot to drive, 'cause they handle pretty well, too.

Well, just thought that I would share my good news. Once we get it back home, I'll post photos of it if anybody wants to see it - alot of people don't even know what Plymouth Arrows are, and you never see them hardly anywhere, anymore.

Kmot
03-07-2004, 11:37 AM
Mike,

I've been wondering where you have been lately!

I remember Plymouth Arrow's from the early-mid 70's and they were English cars, back then. I did not know or even pay attention I guess that they eventually used the same name on Japanese built cars. The English built cars were poorly assembled and had a reputation for basically falling apart. Sort of like the Austin America used to do. I think they were built by the Roots Group.

No wonder that the one you have fond memories of is actually a Mitsubishi. That must be about the time Chrysler developed its partnership with Mitsu. I only started paying attention to that partnership when the Starion was being sold at Chrysler dealerships. That was a supercar also.

Congrats on realizing your dream of finding a replacement for your Arrow. That is truly awesome!

pcf21
03-08-2004, 10:40 AM
The Starion and the Dodge Conquest Tsi evolved directly from the Arrow's platform. They were both rear wheel drive as well and utilized the awesome 2600 motor - with a turbocharger! I really liked the look of the Conquests, but I can't help my love for the stupid little Arrows and Celestes.

Thanks Tom. I think it's pretty awesome too. :D

eddieh
03-09-2004, 09:17 AM
didn't chrysler come out with the glh?? or something like that looked like a shrunk gremlin?? they were non descript little econonoxes but they were fast!!! they even got carol shelby to do some mods on a few... nice...
I know the feeling of losing "The Car" mine was a 69 goat ragtop 4 speed, I ended up buying my 442 cause I couldn't find one... still got the 442 but would love to find a 69 goat 4-speed
keep us posted mike

Kmot
03-09-2004, 12:06 PM
Those little turbo boxes were fast! The Shelby Dodge Omni GLH is a collector car now. I see them at the Spring Fling (largest Mopar show west of the Mizzizzippi) every year.

Do you know what GLH stood for? ;)

eddieh
03-09-2004, 01:34 PM
Originally posted by Kmot
Those little turbo boxes were fast! The Shelby Dodge Omni GLH is a collector car now. I see them at the Spring Fling (largest Mopar show west of the Mizzizzippi) every year.

Do you know what GLH stood for? ;)

wasn't it good little horse????:) or great little or was it goes like h#ll:D

pcf21
03-09-2004, 02:01 PM
"Goes Like Hell."

My father-in-law worked for Chrysler for 34 years at the Twinsburg Stamping Plant; he told me, in no uncertain terms, that that is definitely what "GLH" stood for.

But it's still an Omni --- feh! :D Completely different from what I'm getting.

Kmot
03-09-2004, 04:50 PM
Yup!! And GLH it did! lol....

MikDee
03-11-2004, 11:04 AM
Hey Mike, looking forward to seeing pics,,, not sure if I know this car?,,, but it sounds way cool!