The Mustang Shelby GT-H ‘Rent-A-Racer’ Lives Again for 2016

BOLD RIDE

Copyright © 2016 Bold Ride LLC.

 

Posted by Zach Doell

                                        

While it was the iconic 1965 Shelby GT350 that paved the way for all subsequent Shelby Mustangs, it was the ’66 GT350-H that put these legendary pony cars in the hands of average Americans, and all for just $17 a day and 17 cents a mile through Hertz’s “Rent-A-Racer” program. 

Fast forward to 2016 and the Hertz Shelby partnership is back, having spawned this car—the 2016 Shelby GT-H, which celebrates 50 years of the famed Rent-A-Racer. The GT-H makes its grand debut at this week’s New York International Auto Show.

Only 140 of these high-powered pony cars will be built, and all will be available exclusively for rent through Hertz’s Adrenaline Collection at select airports. Business travel just got a lot more exciting.

Circa 1966, the original GT350-H formula was simple. Ford supplied the 289ci V8 Mustangs, Shelby tuned them up and added visual flair, and Hertz gave the keys to eager enthusiasts. Fans will be happy to know that recipe hasn’t changed for the pony car’s third generation (Shelby released its second GT-H in 2006).

 

Shelby American will handle all GT-H production at its Las Vegas facility, and will start with standard 2016 Mustang GTs, upfitting them with a throatier Ford Performance cat-back exhaust as well as a Ford Racing Handling Pack, which includes sport dampers, lowering springs, beefed-up sway bars, and special 19-inch wheels.

They certainly don’t disappoint on looks either. The 2016 Shelby GT-H cars come dressed in the signature black-and-gold double racing stripes with gold rocker stripes, a unique Shelby vented hood, and carbon fiber front splitter and spoiler. Special badging debuts throughout, including in the grille, on the fenders, trunk lid, headrests, sill plates, and floor mats. One thing is for sure, you won’t soon forget you’re in a GT-H.

Need to drive one? The 2016 Shelby GT-H cars arrive at select airports nationwide in time for Memorial Day week.