1999 Dodge Durango Super Pursuit Ii-like Shelby Sp360-rare And Unique on 2040-cars

 

DODGE ENTHUSIASTS, STOP, READ THE AD, AND VIEW THE PHOTOS. EXTREMELY RARE AND UNIQUE SPORT UTILITY VEHICLE. 1999 DODGE DURANGO SUPER PURSUIT II. ORIGINALLY THE CREATION OF PERFORMANCE WEST GROUP, FOUNDED BY LARRY WEINER, AS THE SEMA SUPER PURSUIT CONCEPT VEHICLE. NEXT, CONVERTED INTO THE SHELBY SP360 FOR CHRYSLER CORPORATION, AVAILABE VIA SPECIAL ORDER TO THE PUBLIC.  FINALLY,  AT THE END OF FACTORY PRODUCTION, CONTINUED AS SUPER PURSUIT II, CONVERTED BY THE ORIGINAL SUB CONTRACT CONVERSION COMPANY, STAR COACH PERFORMANCE INC. BASICALLY AN SUV STREET MACHINE. MOPAR MUSCLE MAGAZINE, IN AN APRIL 01, 2000 ARTICLE, DECLARED THE STAR COACH SUPER PURSUIT II WAS A SUPERIOR VEHICLE TO THE ORIGINAL SHELBY SP360.  LOOK CLOSELY AT THIS BEAUTY. DON'T MISS THE CHANCE TO OWN IT. WHEN WILL YOU SEE ANOTHER? HIGHWAY MILES. LOOKS AND DRIVES LIKE A 50,000 MILE TRUCK.

 

FOR A COMPLETE FILE OF ADDITIONAL PHOTOS FROM THE PUBLIC DOMAIN OF PHOTOBUCKET, CLICK ON THIS LINK:

http://s514.photobucket.com/user/redeuce/library/1999%20DURANGO

 

 

 

The reasoning behind this vehicle is simple. Dodge sensed the market for a performance SUV, and decided to go head to head with the Saleen XP8 Explorer, which was produced from 1998-2001. The development and evolution of this vehicle, however, is much more complicated.

 

In the beginning, the original Durango Super Pursuit was created by Performance West Group for the 1997 SEMA show, where it won the Chrysler Design Excellence Award. The Durango was built around a Kenne Bell supercharged 5.9 engine. This engine pumped out a whopping 360 horsepower. The reception was so positive that Chrysler Corp. made the decision to design and offer for sale a factory performance Durango, based on this SEMA concept vehicle.

 

Of course, the first order of business was to contact Carroll Shelby, Chrysler's go-to guy on several projects. Although Shelby had nothing to do with the design or development of the vehicle, they convinced him to sign off on the project. The first step was completed- they now had the proper name. Shelby SP360. Shelby Super Pursuit 360, to represent the 360HP of the Performance West concept vehicle. Dodge offered this package on 1999-2000 Durangos only, and projected production was 3,000 units. Both two wheel drive and four wheel drive were available.

 

Race Truck Trends in California and Star Coach Performance in Georgia were the two major companies authorized by Dodge to perform the conversions. Most of the Durangos were shipped directly from the factory in Newark to either company depending on whether final delivery was for the Eastern US (Star Coach in GA) or the Western US (Race Truck Trends in CA.) They would "convert" the stock Durango into a SP360 and then shipped it on to the particular dealership where it was ordered.

 

The Shelby SP360 was truly a unique and magnificent machine. Of course, the heart of the SUV was the engine. However, in addition, the contributors to this vehicle represent the Who's Who of the aftermarket industry. DJM Engineering supplied the suspension and lowering kit. Stillen provided the braking system, using AP Racing six piston calipers, and cross drilled, vented rotors. Race Truck Trends supplied the body kits, which included the front and rear facia, grille, side skirts, and dual scooped hood. Cerullo leather seats were embroidered with the Shelby logo designed specifically for the SP360. AMA provided the carbon fiber interior trim. SEC supplied the 18" wheels. And the list goes on. A special serial numbered Shelby Signature plaque was mounted to the dash. The serial number was replicated in the door sill. The special serial number was also stamped in undisclosed locations on the frame. All were Viper Blue with White stripes. Actual sales are only estimated at 200-300 units. This miniscule production run places this vehicle in rarified air. To locate and purchase one of these is extremely difficult.

 

 

 

As fate would have it, those desiring one of these unobtainable beauties were offered an alternative. When the factory production run ended, the two sub contractors stepped in. Star Coach continued to offer the package. However, due to trademark laws, they substituted some of the components with similar pieces. These include the hood, exhaust, and paint color. The SP360 was renamed the Super Pursuit II. This conversion could be personalized with any component of the SP360 package that the customer desired. They also offered some additional options that weren't available on the original SP360 package. They even offered a factory warranty. Star Coach offered this package until they went bankrupt in 2003. These units, of course, did not have the serialized dash plaques. It is unknown whether Race Truck Trends ever offered the complete package, but they sold various SP360 components and parts.

 

 

 

Although the Super Pursuit II is not a "factory" SP360, it is still an extremely close cousin. Also, although not quite as rare as the original, it is still a unique find. The Durango in this auction is one of these.

 

 

Don't miss this opportunity. This is the equivalent of finding the proverbial needle in a haystack.

 

 

Clean, straight body finished in the original Intense Blue Pearl Metallic. (Star Coach could not offer Viper Blue, due to Shelby trademarks). Paint is original, except for front and rear facia, which have been repainted due to driving chips and scratches. Paint is smooth and uniform, and shines to a mirror gloss. Complete Shelby style body kit, including front and rear valance panels, side skirts with molded running boards, and rear wing. Custom finned front grille. Dual color coded sport mirrors. Deep tinted windows with tinted wind wings. Fog lamps. Custom 18" wheels with Sumitomo HTR Sport radial tires. Fit, finish, and gapping on all panels is very good. Dual exhaust cutouts in rear bumper panel. Tow package. Rear window wiper.

 

 

 

5.9 liter engine. Fuel injected. Aluminum intake manifold. Four speed automatic transmission. Four wheel drive. Power steering. Power disc brakes. Please view the photos of the undercarriage. The frame, suspension, etc. is extremely clean and solid as a rock.

 

 

The cabin in this beauty is loaded with comfort and convenience options. Gray leather bucket seat interior with Ram insignias. Front bucket seats with center console. Driver seat is power operated. Complete interior is clean and in very good condition. Seats are plush and supple. Door panels, headliner, dash, and carpet in very good shape. Second row bucket seats with jump seat console. Third row bench seat. Power windows, door locks, and mirrors. Tilt steering column and cruise control. Tachometer. Water temperature, oil pressure, and amp gauges. Air conditioning front and rear. Rear window defogger. Sony AM/FM/MP3 player. Reclining seats.

 

Though the odometer shows higher mileage, this vehicle has been well maintained and cared for since new. The miles are from highway driving. Currently runs and drives like a lightly used truck.

 

 

You won't find another vehicle like this, in this condition, at this price. Don't hesitate on this one.   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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next step was to bring the project to market. That’s where Carroll Shelby came into the picture. Shelby agreed to lend his name to the performance-oriented SUV that became the Shelby SP360.

For improved handling it included DJM engineering’s suspension and lowering package wanted; plus some other items not available as part of the SP360 package. These were not "true" Shelby SP360s and did not have a numbered plaque.

 

 

Financing is available to qualified buyers at JJ Best Banc. https://www.jjbest.com/default.aspx

Contact Peter MacDonald at 800 872 1965 for more information.

 

Call Randy at 847 456 7726 with any questions.

I have been collecting for over 30 years.  My favorites are classic muscle cars, guitars, rock 'n' roll memorabilia, antiques, collectibles, art, and rare documents.  

 

 

You can see some of my cars that I have had and sold here: http://www.classicmusclecars.com/

 

 

There are over 400 videos to view and some of my TV shows I have done in the past.  I appeared on the TV show "Final Offer" on June 7, 2012 on Discovery Channel with Elvis's hair.  The episode is called "Heavy Metal" and re-runs air periodically.

 

http://www.discovery.com/tv-shows/final-offer/videos/final-offer-launch.htm

 

 

If you have any questions about this item, please ask.  We have been on Ebay since 1998

 

BANK WIRE IS THE PREFERRED METHOD OF PAYMENT. IT IS SAFE, SECURE, AND PROTECTS BOTH PARTIES. OPTIONAL PAYMENT METHODS INCLUDE BANK OR CASHIER'S CHECK, PERSONAL OR BUSINESS CHECK WITH BANK LETTER, AND CASH(IN PERSON). VEHICLES PURCHASED WITH CHECKS WILL NOT BE SHIPPED OR DELIVERED IN PERSON UNTIL FUNDS HAVE CLEARED THE BANK. All other payment methods must be agreed upon by both parties before end of auction.

 

 

 A deposit of $500 required within 24 hours of auction end, unless other arrangements are made. Please contact us via telephone or email immediately after end of auction to discuss payment arrangements. Payment in full due within one week of auction end unless other arrangements are made.

 

 

 

 Please follow all the terms of sale for this auction, including deposit and final payment requirements. BUYER MUST ADHERE TO AND ABIDE BY TERMS OF SALE THAT ARE CLEARLY STATED IN THE PAYMENT INSTRUCTIONS. FAILURE TO DO SO WILL RENDER THE SALE NULL AND VOID.

 

 WE DESCRIBE VEHICLES TO THE BEST OF OUR ABILITY. HOWEVER, IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE BUYER TO CONFIRM THIS DESCRIPTION. WE REQUEST AN IN PERSON INSPECTION OF ALL VEHICLES PRIOR TO BIDDING. IF IN PERSON INSPECTION IS NOT POSSIBLE, WE RECOMMEND A THIRD PARTY INSPECTION OF VEHICLE. WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ERRORS OR OMMISSIONS DUE TO A “SIGHT UNSEEN” PURCHASE. SOLD AS IS, WHERE IS, WITH NO WARRANTIES OR GUARANTEES. ALL SALES ARE FINAL, NO RETURNS OR REFUNDS. PLEASE DO YOUR RESEARCH BEFORE YOU BID.