The Dodge Colt, a subcompact car sold by Dodge from 1971 to 1994, was a rebadged Mitsubishi Galant and Lancer initially. It was a response to the growing popularity of small, inexpensive cars like the AMC Gremlin, Ford Pinto, and Chevrolet Vega. Despite its Japanese origins, the Colt struggled to compete with other Japanese models like the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, and Datsun 1200.
Over its seven generations, the Colt’s body styles varied from coupes and sedans to hatchbacks and vans. The first few generations were larger and more luxurious, but as the 1980s progressed, the Colt became smaller and more fuel-efficient to meet changing consumer demands. While the Colt was never a particularly stylish or exciting car, it did offer reliable transportation at an affordable price.
Ultimately, Colt’s lack of distinctive character and the increasing dominance of Japanese brands in the American market led to its discontinuation in 1994. Today, the Dodge Colt is largely forgotten, a testament to the rapid pace of change in the automotive industry. The Dodge Colt, a once ubiquitous nameplate, has been relegated to the automotive history books.
However, one particular Colt has defied the odds and continues to make its mark on the drag racing scene. This heavily modified black hatchback, affectionately dubbed the “Pony Express,” has become a formidable competitor, even daring to challenge V8 powered muscle cars. The Colt’s owner, a YouTuber known as CSMtv, has showcased its impressive performance at local dragstrips, consistently posting times in the 10.2 second range.
Recently, the Colt participated in the Street Car Takeover event at the Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, where it faced off against a Ford Mustang GT and a Pontiac G8. Despite its diminutive size, the Colt proved to be a formidable opponent, securing victories over both cars. The Mustang, a traditional two door V8 powered coupe, was initially expected to dominate the race.
However, the Colt’s nimble handling and powerful engine allowed it to quickly close the gap and ultimately overtake its larger competitor. The Pontiac G8, a powerful sedan, was unable to even leave the starting line, further highlighting the Colt’s impressive performance.
While the Colt’s win streak was eventually snapped by a Cadillac sedan, its remarkable performance has solidified its reputation as a surprising contender in the drag racing world.
The Colt’s success is a testament to the ingenuity and passion of its owner, who has transformed a seemingly ordinary hatchback into a formidable racing machine. The Colt’s story serves as a reminder that even the most unlikely contenders can achieve great things with the right combination of skill, dedication, and a little bit of luck.
