1979-91 Madison Ballista
Originally created for rounds 3 and 4 of Cult of Personality II.
Pre-facelift trims (1979-84, 15in alloy wheels, separate rubber bumpers):
- 305 GS (carbureted 5.0L V8, 0-60 in 8 seconds, top speed 150 mph, base price $18500 AMU). Offered from 1979 to 1982.
- 350 GT (carbureted 5.7L V8, 0-60 in 6.7 seconds, top speed 156 mph, base price $19500 AMU). Offered from 1979 to 1984.
Post-facelift trims (1985-91, 16in alloy wheels, integrated bumpers):
- 305 GTS (5.0L V8 EFI, 0-60 in 6.3 seconds, top speed 163 mph, base price $27400 AMU). Offered from 1985 to 1989.
- 350 GTS (5.7L V8 EFI, 0-60 in 5.7 seconds, top speed 170 mph, base price $29000 AMU). Offered from 1985 to 1991.
Of the four trims shown here, the one I am most proud of is the 350 GTS - it couldn’t look more '80s if it tried, with its big spoilers, pop-up headlights, hood scoop and optional tri-tone paint job, whereas the other versions (especially the pre-facelift ones) look somewhat dainty by comparison. Also, at launch, it offered more power than any US-spec 328, Esprit Turbo or 930 Turbo from the same era.