5k: 1987 Dodge Shelby Charger GLH-S Turbo

We are going to highlight another limited production turbocharged hatchback ’80s machine because they are cheap and fun!  The ’80s Dodge Charger was a Dodge Omni masquerading as a Charger – an emasculated version of a once brutal tire burning muscle machine…until Carrol Shelby got his hands on a number of the “Chargers” and made a hot and hotter-hatch version.  This 1987 Dodge Shelby Charger GLH-S is for sale in Pennsville, NY, currently bidding at $2370 (ebay reserve-not-met).

The Dodge Charger was a small hatchback with a grand name – but it wasn’t until Carroll Shelby got his 10-gallon hat involved that things got fun.  The base Shelby Charger was a hot-hatch Charger -but the real tire burner was the Shelby Charger GLH-S – which stands for Goes Like Hell and Some. 

 

The Shelby GLH-S is powered by a Chrysler 2.2 liter turbocharged and intercooled inline 4 cylinder engine putting out 175 horsepower and 175 ft-lbs of torque.  Its enough to spin the front wheels in 1st and 2nd gear of the 5 speed manual transmission equipped 2600 lb hatchback. 

Check out those awesome CS logo’d sport seats!  The rest of the interior isn’t much to look at – some cheap gauges and faded plastics.  The seats have a bit of bolster to keep you in place as the factory koni adjustable shocks, Shelby specific wheels and tires do their job and help with cornering.  This wasn’t just a tuner-edition, the changes to the Chargers were great enough that the DOT declared Shelby the manufacturer of these cars and the name Dodge does not appear on the car.

Overall the Shelby GLHS is an interesting footnote in automotive history.  It will never appreciate like a Cobra Daytona Coupe – but it’ll certainly keep you entertained for a few grand.  If you don’t mind a little understeer from the front drive chassis – this GLHS is one of 1000 produced and could be in your garage for less than $5k.

See another hatchback that needs a new home?  email us here:  tips@dailyturismo.com