1990 EAGLE TALON FITTIPALDI - $28,000
Year: 1990
Make: Eagle
Model: Talon
Trim: Fittipaldi
VIN: 4E3CT64U8LE019125
Miles: 54,454
Engine: 2.0L 4-Cyl DOCH Turbo
Drivetrain: AWD
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Horsepower: 195 (est)
Torque: 203 lb-ft (est)
Curb Weight: 2,800 lbs (est)
Exterior Color: Flash Red
Interior Color: Black
Production Numbers: 1
Vehicle comes with:
- 1 set of keys
- Recent service records
- Fittipaldi Edition Literature
- Clean CarFax History Report
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1990 Eagle Talon TSi AWD
Fittipaldi Program Car | Documented Prototype Era Example | MOTORVAULT Consignment
Overview
Offered on consignment, this 1990 Eagle Talon TSi AWD represents one of the most compelling and unusual artifacts to emerge from the Diamond Star Motors era. More than just a rare or modified DSM, this example is accompanied by an extraordinary archive of original materials documenting what appears to be a fully developed Fittipaldi branded vehicle program conceived during the late 1980s.
MOTORVAULT previously sold this very vehicle in October 2023, and it has since benefited from continued investment and careful stewardship by its current owner. Today, it returns to market as a highly documented, widely recognized, and deeply researched example that stands in a category of its own.
Historical Context
During the late 1980s, Chrysler’s Jeep Eagle division explored opportunities to elevate brand positioning through motorsport association and European inspired design influence. A collaboration centered around Emerson Fittipaldi, two time Formula One World Champion and Indianapolis 500 winner, was developed as a potential vehicle program targeting both the Eagle Premier and Talon platforms.
The materials accompanying this car strongly suggest that this initiative progressed beyond conceptual design and into a structured, multi phase development program including engineering evaluation, cost modeling, and marketing strategy.
Program Documentation and Archival Materials
Included with the vehicle is a spiral bound proposal document dated November 16, 1989 titled:
Fittipaldi Eagle Premier and Talon Conversions
This archive represents a rare and detailed look into what appears to have been a serious pre production initiative and includes:
Talon specific production conversion specifications
Interior, exterior, and performance modifications
Engineering considerations, testing requirements, and safety evaluations
Factory installation requirements and integration details
Full cost modeling, pricing structure, and projected MSRP
Marketing strategy including dealer events, motorsport involvement, and limited edition positioning
Also included:
Period photography of prototype or concept vehicles
Concept sketches and styling studies
Fittipaldi branded materials and supporting documents
Multiple passages attributed to Emerson Fittipaldi outlining vision and driving experience
Taken together, these materials strongly suggest this was not merely a conceptual exercise, but rather a serious and structured program under active evaluation.
Executive Level Provenance
Among the accompanying materials is a Fittipaldi branded document bearing a handwritten notation identifying the vehicle as:
Eagle Talon Fittipaldi Prototype, 1989, 1 of 1 Personal vehicle of Joseph E. Cappy, first Vice President of Jeep Eagle division Joseph E. Cappy held a senior leadership role within Chrysler’s Jeep Eagle division during the timeframe in which this program was being developed. While independent verification of this notation has not been performed, its presence alongside the broader documentation provides a compelling indication that this vehicle may have been closely tied to internal development or executive level evaluation during the program’s lifecycle.
Enthusiast Recognition and Known Example
This Talon is not an unknown or recently surfaced example. It has been:
Documented within the DSM community for over two decades
Referenced across multiple enthusiast discussions
Recognized as a one of one prototype level vehicle within its niche
This long standing visibility reinforces its position as a known and traceable example.
MOTORVAULT History
MOTORVAULT previously sold this vehicle in October 2023, and we are proud to represent it once again. Having firsthand experience with the car, we can confidently speak to its quality of presentation, depth of accompanying documentation, and continued improvement under current ownership.
Investment Summary Since October 2023
Following its acquisition from MotorVault in October 2023, the current owner has continued to invest in the vehicle with a focus on mechanical integrity, drivability, and preservation. Supporting documentation reflects a consistent and thoughtful approach to ownership.
Key highlights include:
Rear differential rebuild and strengthening through TRE performance service
Brake system improvements including stainless steel brake lines and supporting service components
Suspension refresh including bushings and related wear items
Clutch and hydraulic system service including master and slave components
Steering and driveline service including tie rods and universal joints
General maintenance items including gaskets, filters, sensors, and supporting components
Documented investment totals:
$7,204.74 in parts
$7,423.00 in professional shop labor
Total investment since October 2023: $14,627.74 +
This level of documented investment reflects a serious commitment to maintaining and improving the vehicle while preserving its unique character and historical significance.
Mechanical Transparency
To further support buyer confidence, the sale includes a camshaft and cylinder head inspection video providing a clear view of internal engine condition and offering transparency rarely seen in vehicles of this type.
MOTORVAULT Perspective
This is not simply a rare DSM. This is not simply a modified Talon. This is a documented artifact of a proposed OEM adjacent performance program supported by original development documentation, engineering analysis, concept materials, and long standing enthusiast recognition. Opportunities to acquire vehicles with this level of story, documentation, and uniqueness are exceptionally rare, particularly within the emerging 1990s performance segment.
Why We Love It
Accompanied by original 1989 Fittipaldi program documentation
Talon specific development clearly outlined within archive
Period photography and concept renderings included
Longstanding recognition within the DSM enthusiast community
Previously curated and sold by MOTORVAULT
Documented recent investment and mechanical transparency
Possible executive level connection within Jeep Eagle division
Investment Summary
As the collector market continues to shift toward story driven, well documented, and unique vehicles, examples like this stand apart. The combination of program level documentation, historical narrative, known enthusiast presence, and continued ownership investment creates a compelling opportunity to acquire a vehicle that exists outside traditional categories. Recreating this level of provenance and documentation would be virtually impossible.
Additional Information
Clean title
Extensive documentation included
Build sheet and service records available
Inspection video available upon request
Available for in person inspection by appointment
Enclosed transport available through MOTORVAULT preferred carriers
Vehicle sold as is unless otherwise noted
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Please consider this an invitation to visit MOTORVAULT! If you have any questions or wish for more information about this vehicle or any other vehicle, please do not hesitate to contact:
Brian Henry - brian@motorvault.com // 317-520-4663
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UNDERCARRIAGE
