The 1980s and 90s were a memorable era for automotive enthusiasts. We grew up surrounded by iconic models, experiencing their highs and lows, from the showroom shine to the thrill of the open road. Kamei air dams, Hella lamps, and the quest for the perfect set of 14-inch tires were all part of the car culture. But looking back, were these vehicles truly as remarkable as nostalgia suggests?
Let’s take a clear-eyed look back, leaving aside the rose-tinted glasses, to assess if the cars of that time were genuine hits or if some were better left forgotten. This week, we’re putting the spotlight on a creation touched by the legendary Carroll Shelby: the Dodge Omni GLH.
Dodge Omni GLH side view on track
The Dodge Omni GLH faces a fundamental challenge, and it’s right there in its name – the “Omni” part. Despite Shelby’s enhancements, the GLH was still based on the rather unremarkable Omni platform. Push it hard, and the interior would erupt in a symphony of rattles and groans, hardly enhancing the driving experience, which was already somewhat lackluster in its base form.
However, if you could overlook the Omni’s inherent shortcomings, the GLH did offer a performance edge. Its turbocharged engine provided decent power, and with some simple modifications to the boost control, you could easily extract even more. The problem wasn’t the horsepower; it was getting that power effectively to the road. Instead of smooth acceleration, you were often greeted with excessive wheelspin, vibrations, and unsettling chassis shake.
Dodge Omni GLH front grill and headlight detail
Perhaps the best course of action with a Dodge Omni GLH is to push it to its absolute limit, until the engine gives way in spectacular fashion, and then simply abandon it by the roadside and walk away.
Verdict: Nostalgia is a powerful force. The Dodge Omni GLH is best appreciated as a static display of 80s hot hatch enthusiasm. Buy one to admire, but maybe think twice before making it your daily driver.
