Introduced in the early ’90s, the Dodge Intrepid made big waves in the automotive world, and still feels like a harkening memory for car enthusiasts today. The first generation of the Intrepid, which began rolling off assembly lines in 1992, was a rare offering from Chrysler, based on bold design and innovative engineering. The Intrepid was designed to compete with the Ford Taurus and Chevrolet Lumina, and it stood out for being so sleek and aerodynamic, as well as the cutting edge front-wheel drive platform it rode on. The styling wasn’t just for show either, as it actually was functional, to improve aerodynamics and fuel efficiency.
The first generation Intrepid was under the hood powered by a range of available engines including the classic 3.3L V6 and the more powerful 3.5L V6. Driving a pair of these engines with a smooth automatic transmission was a winning combination of fun and reliability. They were no winners of any drag races, but their performance was just what everyday drivers needed. Sedan owners more or less expected comfort and reliability rather than simply speed, after all. Reliving their favorite moments from behind the wheel, enthusiasts point out how the Intrepid combined the perfect balance of power and comfort on long road trips.
The Intrepid fulfills a unique moment in automotive history; it was a symbol of the first generation. By breaking from the path of the classic sedan design, Chrysler set the precedent for modern cars and innovation in styling and engineering. Certainly, the Intrepid was a replica of the Lamborghini Portofino Concept car, which is unique in its own design that remains popular today.
The community around the Intrepid is a tight knit one, full of people eager to share tips, stories, and the occasional photos. One of the forum members gave an example mentioning how that they began showing their Intrepid at car shows in 2009 noting the growing popularity of ’90s vehicles being shown at those events. The ways these cars age gracefully are often celebrated with respect to their past, and the promise of their future potential. The enthusiasm for first generation Intrepid is also on the rise, and owners are encouraged to bring their cars to local car shows.
However, it’s harder to keep and even restore an Intrepid – especially since parts become scarce. An owner lamented that they couldn’t find any fenders for a ’95 model that had been in the family since 1995. It’s not a struggle for some, but many of the enthusiasts scouring for a specific part for their favorite vehicle.
Investing time in detailing your Intrepid is one of the best ways to keep it as free of dings and dents as possible, inside and out. A kept up engine bay can show others just how much of an enthusiast you are. “You can disconnect the battery and then clean and polish everything in the engine bay very, very well by hand”, one owner advised. “Moisture can mess with the electronics – Don’t steam clean the engine bay!” The attention to detail can also make your car look better and get you more recognition when out at car shows.
Bringing a first generation Dodge Intrepid back is a labor of love, and when you do, it brings together the automotive community in a one of a kind way. But as years go by, these vehicles have built a bit of a cult following of enthusiasts who want to preserve their legacy. If you’re part of the group of proud owners eager to start restoring your Italian pride, then here are several helpful tips and tricks for you to sail through your journey in restoration. So, let’s go over some of the key restoration techniques as well as tips for community engagement for every Dodge Intrepid owner.
It’s important to have a clear plan of what to do and a list of priorities from the beginning of restoration process. Regardless of what you want to get done to your Intrepid, repairing it is even more intimidating than it sounds if you have no idea where to start. Fasten the buckles, plug in the tray, and as it drives along the streets, many owners start with the interior and freshen the upholstery, the dashboard and headliner which, surprisingly, can be pretty simple… but totally satisfying. Leather cleaner / upholstery shampoo can work wonders in restoring old surfaces.
Though it’s important as well to make that first gen Dodge Intrepid shine, no matter how ugly you think it looks. Detailing will include washing, waxing, and, possibly, polishing the body of the car to remove oxidation. Hand washing cars at a local car wash may be a big deal to some owners, even though every nook and cranny is completely clean. Of all of the good advice that we have ever heard among enthusiasts is to use high quality products specifically made for automotive finishes. In fact, it also helps protect the paint from the elements.
The heart of a mechanical restoration project is located under the hood of any vehicle. Basic maintenance such as routine oil changes, replacement of spark plugs, resolved common electrical issues and many first chance Dodge Intrepid owners report success. The Intrepid is a beast with lots of cargo room and a little preventive maintenance can save you a lot of headache, giving you lots of power in the first generation model. Another recent forum post asserted by one owner that simply a replacement of the camshaft and crankshaft sensors brought renewed vigor to their ‘Intrepid’.
The undercarriage is an often overlooked area. Safety requires the suspension system and the braking components to be in good spirits. Older vehicles can be prone to rust, and regular inspections along with immediate repairs will be the same remedy to help your Intrepid stay on the road. Secondly, it pays to clean and remove all sorts of rocks as well as potential foreign bodies that can cause damage to your undercarriage of your vehicle, to ensure that there is no corrosion and extend the lifespan of that vehicle.
This legacy will live on through the end of Practical Restoration, the involvement from fellow enthusiasts, and the emotional experience of watching the Intrepid pass through the ears of those new to it. Ready to start rolling up your sleeves and digging into the restoration scene? Roll up your sleeves and start digging!
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