Digestible Collectible: 1988 Mitsubishi Starion ESi-R

I try not to repeat manufacturers too quickly in this series of digestible crapwagons, save for last September’s Wolfsburg Week. I know I get bored writing about the same OEM, as I’m sure you like the variety. However, when I finally find a clean example of a car that has been on my wish list, I can’t help but feature it, no matter how recently we’ve seen the badge.

I never expected Mitsubishi to be the quickly-repeated marque.

Last week’s Eagle-badged DSM was an interesting car, certainly, but one does not find a stunner like this 1988 Mitsubishi Starion ESi-R every day, so it was a lock for Digestible status. With less than 42,000 miles on the odometer, there can be few better “Starquests” — the catchall term for the Starion and the Chrysler/Plymouth/Dodge Conquest stablemate — left on our roads.

The styling of the ’80s is distinct and dated, with sharp edges and hidden headlamps dominating everything. The Starion/Conquest stood out with the option of a wide-body, with stunning flares covering wheels up to nine inches wide out back. Really, has any car ever sported fat box flares better than this?

I know that the price is outrageous. The seller is clearly trying to capitalize on the booming market for rare Japanese sports cars, but $20,499 is well beyond. $15,000 might be more realistic, though I think $12,000 is the right price for this wide-body beauty.

I ashamedly recall discouraging my dad from buying a new Starion when I was young, in favor of yet another Nissan Z. I probably used some choice terms to disparage the four-cylinder powerplant and four-seat configuration, as opposed to the superior six cylinder, two-seat Nissan. I regret it.

Starquest, I’ll come calling someday.

Chris Tonn is a broke classic car enthusiast that writes about old cars, since he can’t afford to buy them. Commiserate with him on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.