Arrow

Missing a small car in the U.S. after ’73, Plymouth gave additional thought to bringing back a subcompact or at least something small. Hence, the Arrow was born in 1976. Like the Dodge Colt, the Plymouth Arrow was Mitsubishi-based. Powering them were Mitsu’s 1.4L or 1.6L I4. Body style was limited to a 3-door hatchback, but it was relatively slippery in the wind. Because of this, the Arrow body was quite popular in the Funny Car circuit. Standard and optional trim packages included, base, GS, and the performance-intended GT.

1977 brought forth a new top engine, the 2.0L I4. Because of this, the 1.6L became standard, and the 1.4L was dropped. In 1978, an Arrow Jet package was introduced. This added two tone paint and graphics.

The Arrow was updated in 1979 to include rectangular headlamps, restyled taillights, a new grill, sleeker bumpers and a wider rear axle. The 1.6L remained, while a new 2.6L I4 replaced the 2.0L. It was rated at 108hp. The performance trim was still the Arrow GT, but a new trim called Fire Arrow was newly available. This added graphics, body color bumpers, 4-wheel disc brakes, standard 2.6L engine, and improved interior. The Arrow was competing internally with the Plymouth Sapporo since that model’s introduction in 1978. In 1980, it was the Arrow’s swan song year. But as a last hurrah, the Fire Arrow was available in new paint schemes. These were beige w/dark tan hood, blue w/dark blue hood, or white w/flat black hood.