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Shelby GLHS Omni GLHS Turbo 1986

General description : The early 1980s could quite possibly be considered the dawn of compact performance. The good ole days of fire-breathing muscle cars were long gone, but enthusiasts still thrived. And a new generation of gearheads latched onto small, easy to own hatchbacks like this exclusive Shelby GLHS. Number 477 of only 500 Omnis upfitted to 'Goes Like Hell S'more' form by Shelby American, this impressive classic was a rare car even when new, and it certainly makes no qualms about catering directly to enthusiasts. Because of that, most of these featherweights were whipped to an early grave by three or four different owners. And, as any '80s car fan will tell you, finding a GLHS that's in good condition has become beyond difficult. Well, until now… This fully documented, 3-owner survivor is an exceptional example of just that!
FULL OWNERSHIP HISTORY
By 1986, Dodge's honest Omni had become an established player in America's re-invigorated compact car market. Eccentric gearheads knew if you wanted to look cool, you bought a GLH. If you wanted to look cool and go fast, you bought a GLHT. And if you wanted to look cool, go fast and slay some serious sports car titans, you bought a GLHS. Averaging just over 419 miles per year, this pint-size MoPar appears to have rarely seen anything other than sunshine and warm summer days. In fact, the first 18 miles of its life was under the meticulous care of its original owner who, after purchasing this Shelby from Canoga Park, California's Dependable Dodge, would keep it for roughly eight years. The second owner was quick to make a deal after spotting the car in Autotrader, and promptly relocated it to a garage in Moorpark, California. Fast forward thirteen years and this Dodge's third owners found their new muse on Autotrader online, sporting roughly 8,800 miles. And in mid-2019, this highly original head turner found its way here to RK Motors Charlotte wearing a still paltry 13,839 miles.
With low window sills, 2.5-box proportions and 100% original paint, this Shelby is a model of '80s cool. At the front of the car, an aggressive air dam frames bright Bosch Pilot fog lamps beneath a monochromatic bumper and a body-matched, Pentastar-branded grille. At the top of that grille, a vented hood reflects 'DODGE' and 'GLHS' decals opposite Shelby-branded glass that's framed in Satin Black trim. At the base of that glass, a planar, GLHS-branded profile hangs black door handles and matte trim spears between stylish mirrors and aggressive, Shelby-branded rockers. And at the back of that profile, a second monochromatic bumper frames clean taillights, a full array of hatch decals and a small Center High Mount Stop Lamp.
TURBO II BEFORE TURBO II WAS COOL
Naturally, in their seemingly never ending effort to improve the Omni, Shelby did not overlook the car's mechanicals. Using many of the components that would eventually form the basis of Chrysler's forthcoming Turbo II powerplant, the firm created what would predictably be known as the Turbo I. Massaging Chrysler's stalwart 2.2 liter began with quite a bit of top-end work. A Turbo II air box was bolted in front of a larger, Turbo II throttle body and a modified intake that was designed to complement the car's larger turbocharger. A spliced and reconfigured wiring harness linked a GLHS-spec sloped boost curve logic module with Turbo II fuel rails and Turbo II fuel injectors. And tuned exhaust manifolds joined a better radiator, a better intercooler and better fan assemblies to manage power-robbing heat. Consequently, the Shelby powerplant created 175 horsepower and 175 lb./ft. of torque on its way to a 6.5 second 0-60 time and a top speed of 135 MPH. Put into perspective, that meant the GLHS was a very formidable car. Prized for both its ability to dominate track competition and outrun many of the day's best performance icons, this Dodge bested cars like the Camaro, the Trans Am, Ford's Mustang and even many Corvettes.
NOT JUST LOOKS
The GLHS came standard with an A525 5-speed that feeds the front wheels. Holding that tossable drivetrain off the ground is a Shelby-massaged suspension that makes excellent use of adjustable Koni shocks. Those shocks are led by lucid power steering. Stops come courtesy of power front disc and rear drum brakes. At the center of that chassis, an original single-pipe exhaust system snakes spent gases through a Chrysler-branded muffler. At the corners of that chassis, machined wheels spin 205/50ZR15 Michelin Pilot Exaltos. And, fully sorted and factory-spec, this hatch is a clean, first class survivor that's ready to hit the road as soon as it rolls out of our showroom!
1980S COZY
Between the doors, a sedate tri-tone cockpit shows hardly any signs of wear. Cloth-lined seats keep passengers as comfortable for quick blasts of speed as they do during long road trips. Front and center, a pliable dash founds factory air conditioning beneath factory telemetry that's complete with a correct 135 MPH speedometer overlay. At the base of the dash, a boxy console frames a short shifter that's finished with a leather-wrapped Momo knob. A modern Kenwood head unit bumps crisp Polk Audio speakers. The driver twists a leather-wrapped Izumi steering wheel. And naturally, there's a prominent Shelby plaque that lists this GLHS's sequential production number.
Whenever we post unique, low-mileage survivors, they sell almost immediately. A whole generation of buyers grew up with these endearing hatchbacks. And since they're becoming increasingly scarce, the good ones get snapped up as quickly as they hit the market. If you're an enthusiast who likes to put their hardware on the road, few classics deliver this blend of exclusivity and practicality. And with only 13,839 original miles, this is one MoPar that'll have you smiling every time you slide behind its wheel!
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HIGHLIGHTS
* Fully documented, 3-owner Dodge Shelby GLHS survivor that's traveled only 13,839 miles * Number 477 of only 500 produced * 2.2 liter Turbo I 4-cylinder * A525 5-speed manual transaxle * Factory air conditioning * Power steering * Power front disc and rear drum brakes * Shelby-tuned suspension * Modern audio system * Original Window Sticker * Bill of Sale and Odometer Disclosure Statement from original owner * Autotrader ads from 1994 and 2007 (when the car transitioned to owners two and three) * Service records * All RK Motors vehicles receive a comprehensive, multi-point inspection * We can arrange shipment of your purchase anywhere in the world

https://www.rkmotors.com/vehicles/3476/1986-dodge-shelby-glhs-turbo

1986 Shelby GLHS Omni GLHS Turbo is listed sold on ClassicDigest in Charlotte by Donald Berard for $31900.

 

Car Facts

Car type : Car Make : Shelby Model : GLHS Omni Model Version : GLHS Turbo Engine size : 0.0 Model Year : 1986 Location : Charlotte

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About Shelby
Carroll Shelby, a legendary figure in the automotive world, had a remarkable journey from being a successful race car driver to becoming a renowned sports car manufacturer in the United States. His story is filled with achievements, innovations, and iconic cars that left an indelible mark on the industry.

Early Years and Racing Career:
Carroll Shelby was born in 1923 in Texas. He initially pursued a career as a pilot during World War II but found his true passion in racing after the war. Shelby became a successful race car driver in the 1950s, competing in various events including Formula One, endurance racing, and the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Shelby Cobras - Iconic Sports Cars:
Carroll Shelby's pivotal moment as a manufacturer came with the creation of the Shelby Cobra, an iconic American sports car. The Cobra was born from the fusion of a British AC Ace chassis and a Ford V8 engine, creating a lightweight, high-performance car that dominated tracks and streets alike. Key models include:

Shelby Cobra 260 (1962): The initial version with a 260 cubic inch (4.2L) V8 engine.
Shelby Cobra 289 (1963-1965): Later iterations with a 289 cubic inch (4.7L) V8 engine, including the competition-spec Cobras known for their racing prowess.
Shelby Cobra 427 (1965-1967): The most powerful iteration with a 427 cubic inch (7.0L) V8 engine, known for its raw power and performance.
Ford Partnership - Shelby Mustangs:
Shelby's partnership with Ford led to the creation of legendary Shelby Mustangs. The most notable model is:

Shelby GT350 (1965-1969): Based on the Ford Mustang, the GT350 was modified by Shelby American, featuring enhanced performance, handling, and distinct styling.
Other Notable Models and Achievements:
Beyond the Cobras and Mustangs, Shelby had several other significant contributions:

Shelby Daytona Coupe: Created to win against Ferrari in international GT racing, this car became the first American car to win the FIA GT World Championship in 1965.
Shelby Series 1: Introduced in the late 1990s, this was Shelby's modern take on a high-performance sports car.

Ford GT40 plays a pivotal role in Carroll Shelby's narrative, especially in his connection to Ford and his significant contribution to the car's success.

The Ford GT40 Development:
Ford's Challenge:

In the early 1960s, Henry Ford II sought to acquire Ferrari, but negotiations fell apart. This spurred Ford's determination to beat Ferrari at the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race, which Ferrari had dominated for several years.

Collaboration with Shelby:

Ford turned to Carroll Shelby, recognizing his racing expertise and track record. Shelby was tasked with leading the GT40 project and turning it into a competitive race car capable of challenging Ferrari's supremacy.

Development and Triumph:

Under Shelby's guidance, the Ford GT40 underwent rigorous development to address initial design flaws and performance issues. Several iterations were produced:

Early Attempts: The initial versions of the GT40 faced reliability and handling issues, leading to disappointing results at Le Mans in 1964.
GT40 Mark II: Shelby's team made crucial improvements. The Mark II, equipped with a powerful V8 engine, improved aerodynamics, and refined engineering, became highly competitive.
Le Mans Victory:

In 1966, the Ford GT40 Mark II achieved a historic victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, with Shelby-coached driver Ken Miles leading the race. This marked the first win for an American manufacturer at Le Mans, breaking Ferrari's dominance.

Continued Success:

The GT40 continued to dominate, winning Le Mans for the following three years (1966-1969), securing its place in racing history and solidifying Ford's reputation as a force in international motorsport.

Shelby's Contribution to the GT40 Success:
While Carroll Shelby wasn't directly involved in designing the GT40, his expertise in racing and his ability to assemble and lead a team of talented engineers, mechanics, and drivers were instrumental in refining the car's performance. His influence helped address technical issues, refine the car's handling, and strategize race tactics, contributing significantly to the GT40's success on the track.

Legacy and Impact:
The Ford GT40's victories at Le Mans under Shelby's guidance remain one of the most iconic achievements in motorsport history. The car's success solidified Shelby's reputation as an automotive visionary and further strengthened his partnership with Ford.

Carroll Shelby's involvement in the GT40 project showcased his ability to transform a struggling project into a championship-winning machine, adding another remarkable chapter to his illustrious career in the automotive world.