By admin The 1966 Shelby Mustang GT350H is more than just a car; it’s a legend that combines performance, style, and a unique history. Known as the “Rent-A-Racer,” this model holds a special place in the hearts of car enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Origins and Development
The GT350H was born out of a collaboration between Ford, Shelby American, and Hertz Corporation. Ford introduced the Mustang in 1964, which quickly became a huge success. To capitalize on this, Ford teamed up with Carroll Shelby, a renowned automotive designer and race car driver, to create a high-performance variant—the GT350.
In 1966, Hertz Corporation, looking to add some excitement to its rental car fleet, struck a deal with Shelby American. This partnership resulted in the GT350H, a high-performance Mustang that customers could rent for a weekend of thrilling driving.
Specifications and Performance
The 1966 GT350H came equipped with a 289 cubic inch V8 engine, producing 306 horsepower. This powerplant was mated to a 4-speed manual transmission, although some models were equipped with a 3-speed automatic. The GT350H also featured performance upgrades such as a high-rise intake manifold, a Holley 715 CFM carburetor, and a Cobra aluminum valve cover.
The car’s suspension was tuned for performance, with heavy-duty front coil springs, rear leaf springs, and front and rear sway bars. The GT350H also boasted larger front disc brakes for improved stopping power, along with 14-inch Magnum 500 wheels wrapped in Goodyear Blue Streak tires.
One of the most distinctive features of the GT350H was its black paint with gold racing stripes, which gave it a striking appearance. The interior was equally sporty, with bucket seats, a wood-rimmed steering wheel, and a dash-mounted tachometer.
The Rent-A-Racer Program
Hertz’s Rent-A-Racer program allowed customers to rent a GT350H for $17 per day and 17 cents per mile. This program was a hit, offering enthusiasts a chance to experience a high-performance car without the commitment of ownership. However, the program also led to some controversy, as renters often took the cars to the track or subjected them to harsh driving conditions.
Hertz initially purchased 1,000 units of the GT350H, but due to high demand and the car’s popularity, additional units were ordered, bringing the total production to approximately 1,001 units. Of these, 800 were equipped with automatic transmissions, while the remaining 201 had manual transmissions.
Legacy and Collectibility
Today, the 1966 Shelby Mustang GT350H is a highly sought-after collector’s item. Its unique history, limited production numbers, and connection to Carroll Shelby make it a prized possession for car enthusiasts. Well-preserved examples can fetch high prices at auctions, often exceeding six figures.
The GT350H’s legacy extends beyond its rental car origins. It played a significant role in establishing the Mustang as a performance icon and helped cement Shelby’s reputation as a master car builder. The GT350H remains a symbol of the 1960s muscle car era, embodying the spirit of American automotive ingenuity and performance.
The 1966 Shelby Mustang GT350H is more than just a muscle car; it’s a piece of automotive history. Its creation marked a unique collaboration between Ford, Shelby, and Hertz, resulting in a vehicle that offered everyday drivers a taste of high-performance thrills. Decades later, the GT350H continues to captivate and inspire, a testament to its enduring appeal and the timeless allure of the Shelby Mustang.