Peter Palmer: Hertz Providing Ford Shelby GT-H Rental

Throwback

Fifty years ago, Carroll Shelby and Hertz put customers in the driver’s seat of high-performance, special edition Shelby’s for the “Rent-A-Racer” program. Ford supplied the Mustangs with V-8 engines and mostly automatic transmissions, while Shelby added performance amenities. A similar program was done for the 2006 Ford Shelby GT-H.

Today, the cars are desired by collectors worldwide.

Recently, Ford Motor Company, Shelby American, and Hertz unveiled a unique 2016 Ford Mustang GT as a tribute to the “Rent-A-Racer” program of the 1960s.

“The 1966 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.

According to Conway, the 2016 Ford Shelby GT-H Mustangs were given a classic, muscular look with upgraded performance.

“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,” he said.

Nitty Gritty

As with the past two generations, the 2016 Ford Shelby GT-H is instantly recognizable with black paint and gold racing stripes, a hallmark of Hertz vehicles dating back to the 1920s. Shelby’s traditional “Le Mans” racing stripes are combined with a set of rocker stripes that include the Shelby GT-H nomenclature. A Hertz Edition emblem on the front fenders, Hertz Shelby GT-H sill plates, and a numbered badge complete the look, along with a vented hood, carbon fiber front splitter, and rear spoiler.

A Ford Performance cat-back exhaust amplifies the 5.0 V-8’s raw sound, while a Ford Racing Handling Pack (special-tuned dampers, lowering springs, sway bars, and a staggered wheel kit) balances the car. The Shelby GT-H rides on 19-inch aluminum wheels and Michelin rubber.

“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.”

The 2015 Shelby GT-H will be available to rent beginning Memorial Day weekend but only 140 of them will be offered. The Hertz Adrenaline Collection, at select airports in the continental United States, will carry the cars.

“Anyone who rents a limited edition Ford Shelby GT-H will enjoy a very special driving experience,” White said.

Shelby American will build the 140 cars in Las Vegas.

2016 Ford Shelby GT-H Specifications

Ford Performance Parts

Ford Performance Handling Pack
Ford Performance cat back Exhaust with chrome tip
Staggered Wheel Kit

Tires/Wheels

Michelin Pilot Sport all-season tires 255/40ZR19 (front) and 275/40ZR19 (rear)
Matte black 19 inch wheels with GT-H wheel center caps

Exterior

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

Interior

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

*Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.