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After a few years of neglect, the basic scorching hatch wants greater than a easy wash to get it again on the highway
by Thanos Pappas
February 6, 2023 at 20:04
by Thanos Pappas
Once we first noticed the haunting photos of an especially dusty Shelby Omni GLH-S we thought it was considered one of Dizzy Viper’s renderings of abandoned hypercars solely on this case, the automotive is 100% actual. This instance of the limited-production scorching hatch from the ’80s is positioned in Tennessee and is obtainable on the market, 15 years after it final noticed the sunshine of day.
We heard about this barn-find particular from Buck Fleming who lately purchased it from the unique proprietor – his father. He mentioned that the Shelby has been parked in the identical spot for round 15 years, after struggling a damaged transmission. Initially, he supposed to repair it utilizing components from a Daytona, however not having the time and the power, he determined it was time to search for a brand new proprietor.
Learn: This 1972 Toyota Celica Was Collecting Dust In A Garage For 20 Years
The automotive has traveled between 120,000-130,000 miles (193,000-209,000 km) because it left the manufacturing facility 38 years in the past so it’s no time machine. Judging from the time it spent with out shifting and its present situation as revealed within the photographs, a full restoration is likely to be wanted so as to get it again on the highway. The bodywork which is hidden below many layers of mud doesn’t have any seen dents however actually requires much more than a easy automotive wash to shine once more.
The inside is in a worse state, with the bucket seats worn off and a few discoloration within the plastic elements. The numbered plaque with Carroll Shelby’s signature reveals that that is the quantity 230 out of the five hundred items ever produced. Fortunately, the Omni doesn’t seem to have any modifications, retaining the inventory bodykit, the “GLH-S intercooled” sticker, and the 15-inch Centurian alloy wheels that may want a brand new set of tires.
For these not aware of this piece of American hot hatch history, the Shelby GLH-S is a performance-focused variant of the Dodge Omni / Plymouth Horizon. It was solely supplied for the 1986 mannequin 12 months in a restricted variety of 500 items, that includes a variety of modifications by Shelby Automobiles together with a extra highly effective engine, a sporty bodykit, and Koni adjustable suspension.
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The intercooled turbocharged 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine produced 175 hp (130 kW / 177 PS) and 237 Nm (175 lb-ft) of torque when new. These figures have been actually spectacular for a sub-compact hatchback from the mid-’80s, leaving some V8-powered muscle cars of the identical period to mud. Energy was transmitted to the entrance axle by a five-speed guide gearbox, permitting a 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) acceleration in 6.5 seconds., which is 0.2 seconds faster than a contemporary Ford Fiesta ST!
Buck says that he’ll take the very best provide for the Shelby Omni GLH-S contemplating that it wants a number of work to place it again on the highway. Regardless of the neglect, the automotive which is positioned near Knoxville, Tennessee, stays a collectible piece so whoever is can contact the proprietor directly through social media. We sincerely hope that the brand new proprietor will repair the basic scorching hatch, making it seem like Carroll Shelby’s personal GLH-S that went under the hammer in 2021.
Images Buck Fleming / Fb
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