Born from the collaboration between two industry titans, Carroll Shelby and Lee Iacocca, the 1987 Dodge Shelby Charger GLHS is a testament to their shared vision of elevating automotive excellence to unparalleled heights.
Initially emerging as an upgraded version of Dodge’s Omni, the Dodge Shelby Charger underwent a transformative journey under Shelby’s guidance. From 1983 to 1987, various renditions of the Charger bore Shelby’s signature enhancements, including refined suspension, revamped exterior trims, and the heart of the beast—a 2.2-liter turbocharged inline-four-cylinder engine meticulously tuned in multiple stages.
However, the final chapter of this saga saw Shelby etch his legacy into automotive lore. When Chrysler announced the cessation of the Omni-based Charger production, Shelby seized the opportunity. Acquiring the last 1,000 units, he ushered them into his Whittier, California facility, birthing the iconic Shelby Charger GLHS—aptly named “Goes Like Hell S’More.”
What defined these final Chargers were not just the numbers—though impressive, with a 175-horsepower output and a blistering 0-60 MPH time of 6.5 seconds—but the meticulous craftsmanship and bespoke modifications. Shelby left his unmistakable mark on these machines, adorning them with a non-EGR turbocharger, intercooler, Shelby valve covers, and a distinctive exterior overhaul. The absence of Dodge badging, Shelby-specific details like windshield visor decals, and the Shelby Centurion II wheels spoke volumes about the uniqueness of these GLHS models.
This specific 1987 Dodge Shelby Charger GLHS, numbered 524 among the exclusive 1,000, is a testament to its enduring legacy. Every element reflects the era’s design ethos, from its black exterior to the refined gray interior. With just 59,178 miles on its odometer, this artifact from the Thompson Muscle Car Collection encapsulates the spirit of Shelby’s performance-driven engineering.
Over the years, this GLHS has received meticulous care, evident in the thoughtful updates and replacements—injectors in 2008, steering rack in 2012, air conditioning compressor in 2013, and a recent battery replacement in 2021. Its features, including the 5-speed manual transmission, power steering, power brakes, rear spoiler, and Chrysler AM/FM stereo, accentuate the driving experience that defined an era.
As it prepares to cross the Mecum Kissimmee auction block with no reserve on January 6th, 2024, this 1987 Dodge Shelby Charger GLHS beckons automotive enthusiasts and collectors alike. It is a relic of automotive history and a timeless testament to the collaboration between two visionary minds—Carroll Shelby and Lee Iacocca—who pushed the boundaries and etched their indelible mark on the fabric of performance cars.
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