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1985 Dodge Omni GLH | eBay Find of the Day

Cars from the 1980s weren't exactly known for performance. The muscle car days had ended a decade prior, and computer controls and precision engineering standards were still in their infancy. But that doesn't mean the decade was a complete loss for automotive enthusiasts. For proof, take a look at this 1985 Dodge Omni GLH that's currently for sale on eBay. Carroll Shelby's affiliation with Ford was in hiatus (and under litigation in court), but the legendary tuner wasn't content to sit around and do nothing. Shelby turned to Dodge right around the time that the American company was dipping its toes into turbocharging. The partnership led to several interesting vehicles, but perhaps none of them were as unexpected as the Shelby-modified Omni hatchback. The '85 GLH you see above is powered by a turbocharged 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine that sends 146 horsepower to the front wheels through a five-speed manual transmission. These days, that might not sound like a lot of power. But when you consider that the base LG4-code 305-cubic-inch V8 in the Chevy Camaro Z28 spun out 155 hp that same year, you start to understand why the Shelby Omni was a big deal. Suspension changes to the Omni GLH included stiffer springs, firmer shocks, and a lowered ride height that dropped the bodywork closer to its 15-inch aluminum wheels. GLH badging — which, in true Shelby fashion stood for "Goes Like Hell" — and blacked-out bodywork rounded out the updates. Dodge sold 6,513 Omni GLH models in 1985, and just 3,509 were equipped with the turbocharged engine. You'll have to look long and hard to find one that's nicer than this on eBay. The seller claims it's mostly in original condition, and its low odometer reading of 15,901 miles seems to back that up. It's located in Wixom, Michigan, with an asking price of $18,900.

Chop the top of your new Dodge Viper for $35,000

We have good news, and we have bad news. First, the good: It's now possible to get a brand-new Dodge Viper roadster, which is nice, considering we're in the dead of summer and many of us like wind-in-the-hair motoring. Now, the bad: This is not a factory option from the automaker, instead coming courtesy of an aftermarket company called Prefix Performance, and that means it's going to cost you some serious coin.
Called Medusa, this drop-top Viper was created without the knowledge or consent of Dodge, but that's probably fine because Prefix works with the automaker already for the final preparation of the American supercar, including paint. According to the company, the current, fifth-gen Viper was built with a convertible version in mind, so no chassis strengthening is required. From the looks of the somewhat grainy photos available, the conversion appears of very high quality.
Want one? Well, that means you're going to need to procure a Viper - Prefix has 10 units ready for transformation as it stands - and that's going to cost at the very least $102,485. Then, you'll need to write a check for an additional $35,000 for Prefix to surgically remove the car's roof. Thing is, for that kind of cash, a prospective owner could buy, among other very nice options, a Viper hardtop and a loaded Miata, or a Corvette Stingray convertible and several pockets full of change. Or, perhaps a new Viper hardtop and a used, first-gen Viper convertible?

FCA CEO Mike Manley will take undefined new role after PSA merger

MILAN — Fiat Chrysler Chief Executive Mike Manley will remain with the new group set to result from a planned merger with French rival PSA-Peugeot, Chairman John Elkann said on Wednesday. In a letter to Fiat Chrysler (FCA) employees on the day the two companies announced a binding agreement for a $50 billion tie-up to create the world's fourth-largest carmaker, Elkann said he was "delighted" that the combined group would be led by current PSA CEO Carlos Tavares. "And Mike Manley, who has led FCA with huge energy, commitment and success over the past year, will be there alongside him," he said. He did not say what position Manley would hold. Elkann — who will chair the new group — said there was still much to be done to complete the merger. "Over the coming months we must work tirelessly and determinedly to fulfill all the approval requirements needed to finalize the commitment we have signed," he said. Related Video:     Hirings/Firings/Layoffs Chrysler Dodge Fiat Jeep RAM Citroen Peugeot FCA PSA merger Mike Manley carlos tavares