In the mid-1960s, the Shelby GT 350 was a sensation. A car that transformed the Mustang from a mild-mannered pony car to an all-out racer. There was only one problem. They were so rare, no one could get their hands on one. So in 1966 Ford partnered with Hertz offering what they called a “Rent-A-Racer” program, renting specially equipped Shelby GT350-H at select Hertz locations. You can read a review of the original car in Car and Driver.
Last night at an event in New York to mark the 50th anniversary of this special car, executives from Ford, Shelby, and Hertz announced they’ll do it again and unveiled the new Shelby GT-H, a specially equipped and tuned version of the 5.0 Liter Mustang.
Sporting the iconic Hertz black and gold paint scheme the GT-H certainly looks the part of weekend racer. In addition to the special paint, the exterior is adorned with a number of components from the Shelby parts bin. These include a carbon fiber front splitter, a polycarbonate hood with vents, a special GT-H grille, rear spoiler and a number of decals and emblems letting everyone know this is no ordinary Mustang.
The suspension has been massaged with the addition of the Ford Performance Handling Pack that swaps out the stock struts and springs for lower, stiffer units. There are also sway bars front and rear to reduce body roll. Stock wheels and tires are replaced with staggered 19-inch wheels wearing Michelin Pilot Sport all-season tires. And to make sure it sounds as good as it looks, the exhaust system has been upgraded to a performance exhaust with chrome tips.
According to Joe Conway, Co-CEO of Carroll Shelby International and CEO of Shelby American, “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.” You can find out for yourself by renting one of the 140 Shelby GT-H cars that will be available as part of the Hertz Adrenaline Collection at select airport locations in the United States.