Shelby, Ford, Hertz celebrate 50th anniversary of Shelby GT350-H rent-a-racer
Ford, Shelby and Hertz have revealed a limited-run of modified Mustangs, called the Ford Shelby GT-H, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the original rent-a-racer Shelby GT350-H.
FORD, SHELBY AND HERTZ have partnered to produce a limited run of Mustangs to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Shelby 350GT-H. The 2016 Shelby GT-H will be available for hire through Hertz from the US Memorial Day weekend. Only 140 vehicles have been produced and are available through the Hertz Adrenaline Collection.
“The1966 Ford Shelby GT350-H became a legend from the moment it was introduced,” said Joe Conway, Co-CEO of Carroll Shelby International and CEO of Shelby American.
“Ten years ago, the 2006 Ford Shelby GT-H earned the same ‘rock star’ status when it was introduced at the New York Auto Show. We worked closely with Ford Performance to make the 2016 Shelby GT-H the most exciting Mustang ever to wear the iconic Hertz black and gold livery.”
The Shelby/Hertz rent-a-racer became an instant hit when Carroll Shelby and Hertz partnered to produce a high-performance hire car. Ford supplied the new Mustangs with V8 engines and mostly automatic transmissions, Shelby added extra performance and style and Hertz “gave the public access to a unique driving experience through what was known then as its new “Rent-A-Racer” program,” Ford said.
The companies teamed up again in 2006 for the Shelby GT-H, and now again.
“Our goal was to give everyone a chance to add some fun to their travel with a distinctive American pony car,” said Doug White, Ford Performance Parts manager. “So Ford Performance and Shelby American sharpened the handling, improved the performance, sweetened the exhaust note and added distinctive Hertz styling to the Mustang. Anyone who rents a limited edition Ford Shelby GT-H will enjoy a very special driving experience.”
As with the past two generations, the 2016 Ford Shelby GT-H will wear black exterior paint, set off with gold racing stripes, a hallmark of Hertz vehicles dating back to the 1920s. Shelby’s traditional “Le Mans” dual racing stripes are combined with a set of rocker stripes that include special “Shelby GT-H” nomenclature. Each car will also wear a Hertz Edition emblem on the front fenders, and feature Hertz Shelby GT-H sill plates and a numbered badge.
Ford Performance has supplied a cat-back performance exhaust and to put its power to the ground, the Ford Shelby GT-H comes with the Ford Racing Handling Pack, which includes tuned dampers, lowering springs, sway bars and a staggered wheel kit. The Shelby GT-H rides on 19-inch aluminum wheels wearing Michelin rubber.
Shelby has fitted a vented hood, carbon fibre front splitter and rear spoiler. Special badges appear in the front grille, rear faux gas cap and trunk lid. Inside, Shelby GT-H logos are on the head restraint, sill plates and floor mats.
Ford Shelby GT-H Specifications:
- Ford Performance Parts
- Ford Performance Handling Pack
- Ford Performance cat back Exhaust with chrome tip
- Staggered Wheel Kit
- Michelin Pilot Sport all-season tires 255/40ZR19 (front) and 275/40ZR19 (rear)
- Matte black 19 inch wheels with GT-H wheel center caps
- Shelby Carbon Fiber Front Splitter
- Shelby GT-H Polycarbonate Hood w/ Hood Vents
- Shelby GT-H Upper and Lower Grille
- Shelby GT-H Rocker Panels with Carbon Fiber Accent Plates
- Shelby GT-H Rear Spoiler
- Shelby GT-H Gold Striping
- Hertz Front Fender Emblem
- Powered by Ford Performance Emblem
- Shelby GT-H Front Grille Emblem
- Shelby C-Pillar Emblem
- Rear SHELBY Letters on Trunk Lid
- Faux Gascap GT-H Logo
- Washer nozzle relocation kit
- Shelby GT-H Dash Plaque
- Shelby GT-H Head Restraint Cover Set
- Shelby GT-H Sill Plates LH/RH
- Shelby GT-H Floor Mats
- Engine Appearance
- Shelby GT-H engine plaque
- Shelby GT-H engine cap kit
