While the roster of Shelby-branded vehicles sold by Chrysler Corp. in the 80s ran quite deep, there were a few models that were a touch more special than the others. Of course, I’m talking about the iconic GLH models with an extra letter on the end of the familiar Goes Like Hell moniker: the letter S, which comically stood for S’more. How can you not love Carroll Shelby? Find this survivor-grade Charger GLHS here on craigslist, where the seller suggests he’ll consider worthwhile real estate trades or cash in the form of $7,500 OBRO.
Thanks to Barn Finds reader Todd for this excellent find. Though you won’t see the name “Charger” anywhere on this hot hatch, it’s important to distinguish the two models that wore the GLH-S badge – the Charger and the Omni. These S models came with a beefy 175 b.h.p. and identical torque rating, good for a sub-7 second run to 60. Shelby purchased the last 1,000 Shelby Chargers still in existence and modified them at the Whittier factory to give the final production run some sharper teeth. Cosmetic changes were minimal, but included different wheels and graphics kit.
Inside, the same Shelby sport seats were present along with the manual transmission that could hustle the GLHS Charger to a top speed of 130 m.p.h. The seller has owned this example since 1989 and kept it in amazing condition; it is said to have never seen snow and only a few raindrops in its time under the current owner’s care. 68,000 miles isn’t much, as these engines are reported to be surprisingly reliable despite being subjected to likely daily doses of boost. The body and interior are both in excellent shape, and support the owner’s claims of fastidiousness.
The Shelby valve cover was unique to the Charger GLH-S and still looks great today. Although the Shelby motor bears less torque than Chrysler’s Turbo II engine, I’d rather have the one with Carroll’s namesake on the valve cover. These late-production Shelby vehicles will always be appreciated by collectors, but as a new generation comes into the hobby, will anyone remember the legacy of the Turbo Dodge? I hope so, but if you want to park this one in your garage, you better have access to a cabin in Crawford, Ogemaw or Roscommon counties, per the seller’s request.
If it’s still for sale in August I might take a look at it since I will be up near Detroit for the Woodward Dream Cruise.
Gone already!
It’s almost as fast as a new Toyota sienna mini van
Yes, but, in 1987 anything under 7 seconds, especially in a FWD car, was pretty quick.
Drove one once, little booger ran pretty good…..
I bought one of these at a tow auction for $300. A little rough,but ran good and drove it home.
Bought one of these new off the lot. Complete POS! Constantly in and out of the shop for electrical issues, paint bubbled on the roof after two years due to poor prep work, timing belt went at 20k, power steering hose was leaking due to being cross threaded into the pump. MAJOR pain to get Chrysler to cover these issues under warranty. Due to my experience with it I’ve never owned a Chrysler product since. As to performance yeah it has a little, cornered well, no body roll.
Two YEARS? Our (early non-turbo version) paint bubbled on the roof after two weeks off the lot. Had the car repainted twice by the dealer before they got it right.
Only mechanical issues I had was the 5 speed shift linkage. I think they made the bushings at a soda bottle cap factory….. cheap cheap plastic. Had ours replaced 3 times. You’d be driving along and all of a sudden the shifter was just free-wheeling like a pac-man joystick.
Massive amounts of torque steer but man could these things stick to corners!
“Although the Shelby motor bears less torque than Chrysler’s Turbo II engine, I’d rather have the one with Carroll’s namesake on the valve cover.”
Actually as a GLHS this has the turbo II engine. All 8v intercooled engines were referred to as the “turbo II”
I’d like to get one as a side car or daily driver. I’d get a Turbo II upgrade to get it to 300hp and over 140+. Always thought they were good cars