The name Carroll Shelby is heavily tied to souped-up Ford Mustangs and Cobras, but those aren’t the only cars Shelby had a connection with. In the late 80s, Carroll Shelby had a tie-up with Dodge that resulted in the odd and boxy little Dodge Omni GLHS. The car was a very square four-door turbocharged sedan.
The Unique Collaboration Between Shelby and Dodge
Carroll Shelby’s collaboration with Dodge in the late 1980s was a significant departure from his usual work with Ford. This partnership aimed to create a high-performance version of the Dodge Omni, a compact car that was originally designed for economy rather than speed. The result was the Dodge Omni GLHS, a vehicle that combined Shelby’s performance expertise with Dodge’s engineering.
Only 500 of these unique vehicles were built, making them a rare find today. The car seen in the images here actually belonged to Carroll Shelby himself. This particular vehicle is number 86 out of the 500-unit run and is currently titled in the Carroll Hall Shelby Trust name. The vehicle has its original paint, logo stickers, and interior with only 8,176 miles on the odometer, making it a well-preserved piece of automotive history.
Performance and Specifications
The Dodge Omni GLHS was powered by an intercooled inline 4-cylinder engine that produced 175 horsepower. This might not seem like much by today’s standards, but for a compact car in the 1980s, it was quite impressive. The engine was paired with a five-speed manual transmission, allowing drivers to fully engage with the car’s performance capabilities.
The GLHS, which stands for “Goes Like Hell S’more,” was a nod to the car’s surprising speed and agility. The turbocharged engine and lightweight design made it a formidable competitor on the road. The car could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.5 seconds, a remarkable feat for its time. The suspension was also upgraded to handle the increased power, featuring Koni adjustable struts and shocks, which provided better handling and a more responsive driving experience.
The interior of the Omni GLHS was relatively spartan, reflecting its focus on performance rather than luxury. However, it did come with some unique features, such as special Shelby badging and a numbered plaque indicating its place in the limited production run. The car’s exterior was equally distinctive, with bold graphics and a blacked-out grille that set it apart from the standard Omni.
The car is going up for auction with Mecum Auctions. It is estimated to bring as much as $75,000. This high estimate reflects not only the car’s rarity but also its historical significance and connection to Carroll Shelby.
For those wondering, GLHS stands for “Goes Like Hell S’more.” This playful acronym was a testament to the car’s surprising performance capabilities, which defied its modest appearance. The Dodge Omni GLHS remains a beloved classic among car enthusiasts, particularly those who appreciate the unique blend of economy car practicality and high-performance engineering.
The Dodge Omni GLHS is a fascinating chapter in the history of Carroll Shelby’s automotive legacy. It showcases his ability to transform even the most unassuming vehicles into high-performance machines. Whether you’re a collector, a Shelby enthusiast, or simply a fan of unique cars, the Omni GLHS is a remarkable example of what can be achieved when innovation and performance come together.
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