Used Plymouth Sapporo Buying Guide: 1978-83, the Mitsubishi-Built Challenger Twin

The Plymouth Sapporo was a Mitsubishi Galant Lambda coupe that Plymouth sold from 1978 through 1983, and its twin was the Mitsubishi-built Dodge Challenger of the same years. If you find one today, judge it by the body and interior first. The 2.6-liter Silent Shaft four lived on in other Mitsubishi-built cars, while Sapporo trim did not. Expect thin paperwork too: the 1978-80 cars predate the 17-digit VIN, and NHTSA lists just two factory recalls.

I read the Wikipedia history of the Galant Lambda and Curbside Classic's Sapporo piece on Oct. 20, 2026, and ran PLYMOUTH SAPPORO and DODGE CHALLENGER through NHTSA's recall API for 1978 to 1983.

Not the Challenger most people mean

Search for a used Dodge Challenger and you'll mostly find the modern V8 coupe, which is what our Dodge Challenger buying guide covers, the 2008-2023 car. The 1978-83 Challenger shares nothing with it except the name. It was a captive import, built by Mitsubishi and sold through Dodge dealers alongside the Plymouth Sapporo.

According to Wikipedia, the two cars were mechanically identical and differed in taillights, interior trim and colors. Dodge pitched the Colt Challenger at performance buyers, and Plymouth aimed the Sapporo at the luxury end. Curbside Classic's Paul Niedermeyer called them "mini-Cordobas," which is about right for the 1978 car's opera lights and brushed roof band. He also notes Chrysler bought 15% of Mitsubishi in 1971, which is how these cars ended up at Plymouth and Dodge stores at all.

First generation versus second

The first-generation cars ran from 1978 through 1980. Wikipedia says they came well equipped, with a remote trunk release, electric mirrors, map lights and crushed velour seats, and an optional "Open Road" package added four-wheel disc brakes and alloy wheels on the bigger-engined cars. A 1.6-liter four was offered alongside the 2.6, and both came with a five-speed manual or a three-speed automatic.

For 1981 the body was all new and sportier, and the second-generation North American cars got only the 2.6 with balance shafts, rated at 105 hp. Dodge dropped the "Colt" part of the name after 1981, and an electric sunroof joined the options. Curbside Classic says the first generation wasn't a big hit, and its verdict on the 2.6 is blunt: never exactly a go-getter. Both cars were dropped after 1983 to make room for Diamond-Star models and Mitsubishi's own U.S. dealers. The same platform and engine carried on in the Conquest through 1989.

For most buyers the 1981-83 cars are the easier pick, since they look cleaner and all have the 2.6. The 1978-80 cars have more period character and are the only ones with a 1.6, which you probably don't want if you plan to drive on a freeway. Pop the hood and check, since badges get swapped.

The Silent Shaft 2.6 and the Jet Valve

The 2.6 was Mitsubishi's Astron engine, and Wikipedia credits it with introducing the company's Silent Shaft balance shafts, which counter the vibration of a big four-cylinder. U.S. versions also had a "Jet Valve," a small extra intake valve that helped emissions. If the engine has had valve work, ask whether the shop knew about the jet valves and dealt with them too. If the engine shakes at idle more than an old four should, the balance shaft drive is worth a look too.

Parts are a mixed bag. The same 2.6 carried on in the Conquest through 1989, which helps on the engine side. Sapporo-specific trim, lenses and interior pieces were only ever made for a slow-selling captive import. A rusty, complete car can be worth more than a clean shell with missing trim. That sounds backward until you try to find a taillight.

Recalls the API still lists

• 79V149000 (1978): fuel could leak past the fuel pump diaphragm and out the breather hole into the engine compartment. Dealers replaced the pumps. It also covered the 1978 Colt and Arrow.
• 80V010000 (1980): the ashtray light socket could overheat if the bulb stayed lit for a long time. Dealers replaced the socket and wiring.

The API also shows 07E064000 for 1978-80, but that one is about aftermarket fuel pumps sold decades later, so it only matters if one was fitted. The 1981-83 cars came back with no recalls. Run the VIN through our Plymouth recall check guide, and smell for fuel under the hood on a 1978 car regardless.

VINs, reports and the smaller Arrow

A 1978-80 Sapporo has a pre-1981 VIN, which many decoders reject. Our guide to VINs shorter than 17 digits explains why. The 1981-83 cars have 17-character VINs. Either way, a history report on a car this old will mostly show title brands and odometer readings from later sales. Search the title on NMVTIS and compare the VIN plate on the dash with the title yourself. A seller's printed report could belong to a different car.

If you'd rather have the smaller Mitsubishi coupe Plymouth sold at the same time, read our Plymouth Arrow buying guide.

CarVins is a licensed CARFAX and AutoCheck reseller with no affiliation to either. As of late October 2026 a report cost about $5.50 for a guest or $4.50 for a member, around $6.75 for both, while retail sits near $39.99 to $44.99. Confirm the price at checkout.

Sources

• Wikipedia: Mitsubishi Galant Lambda
• Curbside Classic: 1978 Plymouth Sapporo
• NHTSA recalls API: 79V149000
• NHTSA recalls API: 80V010000
• NMVTIS