- Seller: Joe H (Contact)
- Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Mileage: 70,304 kms Shown
- Chassis #: 1B3BZ18E7FD231713
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: 2.2 Turbo Stage 2 Block w/Forged Crank, Rods and Pistons with ARP Bolts
- Transmission: 5-Speed Manual
Here’s a chance to own a true survivor from the peak of Carroll Shelby’s compact hot hatch era: this 1985 Dodge Omni GLH Turbo is being offered on Barn Finds Auctions by its original owner, who bought the car new at the 1985 auto show! Located in Calgary, Alberta, with only 70,304 original kilometers (~43,680 miles), this GLH Turbo is an exceptionally well-preserved, tastefully modified example of one of the coolest turbocharged pocket rockets of the 1980s.
Unlike many modified cars, this one was upgraded with great care and performance-minded precision. It features a Stage II heavy-duty 2.2L Turbo block, complete with forged crankshaft, rods, and pistons, all held together with ARP fasteners. Power is routed through a stock 5-speed manual transmission, and thanks to thoughtful mechanical care and upgrades, including newer ignition components, belts, and hoses, it remains in excellent running condition. The car has also received a high-flow intake, ported head, aftermarket intercooler and factory turbocharger setup, enhancing both drivability and reliability while preserving its period-correct charm. When the car was dyno’d, it put out 201 horsepower!
Finished in a pearl white repaint with blue accent stripes, this GLH presents with a subtle flair. The body is described as straight, rust-free, and accident-free, with all doors, hood, and hatch aligning and operating as they should. Trim, bumpers, and lights are original and well preserved. A new windshield has been installed, while the rest of the glass remains original and clear.
Inside, the original blue interior is in exceptional shape, showing only minor wear consistent with careful use over four decades. Both the front bucket seats and rear bench retain their factory upholstery, the dash is uncracked, and the headliner is clean and tight. A four-point roll cage has been discreetly integrated, adding a performance touch without compromising comfort. Other features include power steering and brakes, an aftermarket stereo, and a factory instrument cluster with an added boost gauge.
Underneath, the factory suspension and braking system have been maintained in their original configuration, with firm steering and solid braking. The subframe and floors are rust-free, with clean undercoating throughout. This GLH Turbo is rated as a strong “2” condition car—meaning above average, well-maintained, and ready for occasional use or show.
It’s rare to find a GLH Turbo in this kind of condition, rarer still to find one with one-owner provenance and thoughtful upgrades already done. Whether you’re a Shelby enthusiast, a fan of ‘80s turbo compacts, or simply hunting for something truly different, this Dodge Omni GLH Turbo is worth a serious look.
Bid On This Auction
David bid $1,000.00 2025-08-02 09:13:48
capt pyrex bid $900.00 2025-08-01 09:45:41- David bid $500.00 2025-08-01 08:37:16
I remember race nights in the early 90’s and there was always a sprinkling of Omni’s and Charger’s at the meet. Them little pocket rockets were respected amongst the stock V8 crowd
It’s great to see these Turbos still around. Lots of fun back late 80s early 90s with seeing them race. This one…. don’t they have a car wash or detail shop up there? It’s dusty and dirty inside out!!! If you want top dollar for your ride. Clean the bloody thing!!! I would not sit in this for a test ride!! Good luck to the seller… 🐻 🇺🇸
Totally could make the same comment as Robert.
This one was Santa Fe Blue, I wish it still was as paint jobs are expensive these days. Red along with the blue are my favourite colours for these. Almost bought a silver GLH, non turbo years ago and wish I had.
They made Omni GLH with no turbo? Wasn’t that what made them “Go Like Hell?” Wouldn’t that just be an Omni?
The GLH was non turbo. The GLH-T was turbo. I bought a GLH-T new in ’86.
The stripes need to be removed, but this one gives new meaning to “Goes Like Hell S’more”.
I can smell the coolant from the leaky gaskets from here Chrysler blew it. These cars only needed more pull. The 2.5 non turbo with a little massaging would have been perfect for these cars. No turbo lag, safer around a corner.
Oops, almost forgot. And better shift linkage! Years ago I traded in an Omni for a new Honda. What a different feel, so much nicer. I didn’t think that rubbery monstrosity was so bad until my silky smooth Honda shifter was in my hand! Over all I loved my Omni. Great MPG, handled well, comfortable, and so handy. Amazing what I could haul in that hatchback, but after owning a new Honda, I understood why they were besting America.
Not a totally fair comparison on the Honda manual transmission – Honda’s smooth shifting manual transmissions back then are legendary. Honda had pretty much everyone beat in the manual transmission game (their automatics, not so much – don’t know if they’ve improved but scary to think if they’ve stopped making most manuals, how do Honda’s new automatics hold up?).
But overall yes, then it was easy to see why they were beating America, even today it will take tariffs to help even the field with the Japanese.
Don’t know much about these cars, great looking rims, and that 201 on the dyno will certainly lite em up out front, and launch 👍🏁 😎
This is the car I never knew I needed ’till 5 minutes ago. Bad timing and too far. Well done hot hatch though! Very nicely upgraded. That thing has gotta be a hoot to drive.
Eh, I’ll bet this hoser takes off, Eh?
Test drove one back in the day from the dealer, entered an on ramp and punched it, was crude and fun! GLH was a great name for it. Ended up not buying it as it would have been my first new car and not a good use of my limited funds at the time. Great to see a survivor, most are gone.
When Shelby took this endeavor on. The guy in charge at the facility was Scott Harvey from Chrysler R&D and of pro-rally fame. His last rally car was an all-wheel drive Hemi powered, fiberglass bodied Dodge Aspen. Try that on for having a blast!
When Shelby took this endeavor on. The guy in charge at the facility was Scott Harvey from Chrysler R&D and of pro-rally fame. His last rally car was an all-wheel drive Hemi powered, fiberglass bodied Dodge Aspen. Try that on for having a blast!
Seeing that Aspen come thundering through the woods at 100+ MPH at 2:AM is quite the site and experience.
Whole pocket full of fun. Not so keen on the blue over white Trans Am look but man would this be a fun commuter and back road runner.
It’s not expensive. Let us know.
My dad bought a new Omni in 84′ the same time I got my Daytona turbo. Was hoping he’d get the GLH but it didn’t happen lol. He told me a coworker of his had gotten a GLH and taken him for a ride in it. Said it took corners like on rails. These really were little pocket rockets. Don’t care for the repaint at all. Should have left it the original Santa Fe blue. That’s a great color.