Talk about rare: this is one of only 619 Omni 024 DeTomaso’s built in 1981, and has to be one of the last ones left in anything resembling fair condition. It’s actually better than fair (in my opinion) and selling at no reserve. While the DeTomaso tweaks were solely cosmetic in nature, this example at least has the 2.2L Chrysler-built four-cylinder under the hood. Find this rare version of the Dodge Omni here on eBay witha starting bid of $2,750 and a Buy-It-Now of $3,750.
Chrysler threw a lot of ideas at the wall when it came to driving consumer interest in its supposed VW Scirocco fighter. None of it really stuck, as the sporty body wrote checks that the weak powertrain couldn’t cash. Initially, the 024 was available with a hamster wheel of an engine supplied by Volkswagen; the irony of building a Scirocco competitor with a VW-sourced engine seems to a case of irony everyone at Chrysler Corp. missed. The DeTomaso package, as it was later called, included wheels and trim designed by the famous Argentinian who maintained a cozy relationship with Lee Iacocca.
Whether that makes you want to overlook the Omni’s performance shortcomings is a matter of personal discussion, but I think it’s safe to say most consumers listed to their right foot instead of their eyes. And really, even the cosmetic enhancements are a bit limited in the eyeball appeal department, seeming downright generic compared to anything else that left the factory with De Tomaso’s blessing. The interior on this example looks quite nice, as does the body with the must-have “DeTomaso” graphics still lining the rear quarter panel. It did come with cruise control, but the seller notes it is not working.
The seller knows his stuff, and lists out all of the DeTomaso-specific features. Other attributes include the “targa band” around the B-pillar and other DeTomaso-branded accessories. Perhaps most incredibly is that the sale will include a set of never used DeTomaso floormats! I’ll bet there’s at least one enthusiast in the process of restoring a car like this who just about fell over knowing there’s a set of NOS carpets sitting in the trunk of this 024. The rear window louvers complete the look and the manual transmission paired to the larger Chrysler mill may even make it somewhat fun to drive. The price seems reasonable for the exclusivity it offers; would you push the Buy button?
how is this rare? This shows up on barn finds every other month! Lol
Still a neat car though!
I can’t believe DeTomaso would put his name on this automobile.
I had a $100 down payment on one of these. I thought it was a 1980 but when it was delayed because dodge couldn’t get the transmissions I bailed and bought a bigger piece of junk. A triumph TR7.
Had a charger version of this body style… forget the year. Can’t fathom why anyone would restore one of these. I recall a very comfortable driver seat, and interest in others like this when I owned one, but I’m glad I sold it and woke up from the bad dream. Remember too the new owner of mine was not very happy with it or me after the sale. Junk.
This would be the perfect platform for a drivetrain out of a rusted out Shelby Charger. A Turbo II upgrade would give this car the “go” to match the “show”.
I can’t believe that car cost over $9200 in 1981…smh.
I would buy it for the wheels, they have to fit something else
I had one for my first car back in high school Plymouth horizon, and 2.2 charger versions not much room in back seat. I beat the snot out of them just can’t turn into parking lots fast bottom out and broke alternated bracket and waterpump if I remember right. It took a beating. Friends still talk about these cars . A lot of fun times . Held up good in roll overs rolled two of these never broke glass nor dents how still amazes me…