2007 Shelby Mustang 350H

In a throwback to the famed Shelby GT350H ''Rent-A-Racer'' program from the 1960s, Ford Motor Company, Shelby Automobiles and The Hertz Corporation are partnering to produce a special run of performance-modified Ford Mustang GTs – designated Shelby GT-H, for ''Hertz'' – that will be available for rent later this spring exclusively through Hertz. Approximately 500 units will be available through the Hertz Fun Collection at select airport locations Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Nevada, Oregon and Washington.

Forty years ago, Carroll Shelby and The Hertz Corporation came up with an ingenious plan to help get a batch of high-performance, special-edition Shelby Mustangs into the hands of rental customers who also happened to be car enthusiasts. Ford supplied the new Mustangs with V-8 engines and mostly automatic transmissions, Shelby added extra performance and style, and Hertz gave the public access to the kind of unique driving experience that one would normally only find on a racetrack. Today, the story of the Shelby/Hertz ''Rent-A-Racer'' is legendary and surviving Shelby GT350H Mustangs are among the most sought-after collector cars in the world.

To connect the magical past of the original Shelby GT350H with the modern capabilities of the new Ford Mustang, Shelby, Ford and Hertz have again teamed up, and – together with the Ford Racing Performance Group – have given the 2006 Ford Shelby GT-H a very classic, muscular look as well as some true performance credentials.

Further enhancing its position as a leader at Ú.S. airports in the leisure car rental market, Hertz launched its Fun Collection in January 2006. Featuring vehicles tailor-made for travelers seeking exciting driving experiences, the Fun Collection adds more entertainment to the driving experience as each car comes equipped with SIRIÚS Satellite Radio.

The 2006 Ford Shelby GT-H Mustang will be available at select airport locations that feature the Hertz Fun Collection including Phoenix, Arizona; Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego and San Francisco, California; Denver, Colorado; Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Orlando, Tampa and West Palm Beach, Florida; Maui and Honolulu, Hawaii, and Las Vegas, Nevada. In addition, the car will be available in Boston, Massachusetts; Portland, Oregon, and Seattle, Washington.

With the addition of the Ford Shelby GT-H Mustang into the Fun Collection, Hertz now offers 36 models that can be specifically reserved, ranging from mid-size to luxury cars, convertibles to SÚVs and is the only nationwide car rental company able to allow customers to reserve the specific make and model vehicles at the time of reservation. More than 8,000 Fun Collection vehicles are available at 18 major airport locations in the Únited States.

Like its predecessor, the 2006 Ford Shelby GT-H will be instantly recognizable – thanks to several eye-catching styling enhancements that are so much a part of the Shelby Mustang heritage. First and foremost, each Shelby GT-H will wear Black exterior paint set off with Gold racing stripes, a hallmark of Hertz's vehicle history dating all the way back to the 1920s.

While it's true that the Shelby GT350H was eventually made available in other color combinations, the Black-and-Gold combo is often referred to as ''Hertz colors'' by most Mustang aficionados. Shelby's traditional ''Le Mans'' dual overbody 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 dash badge with Carroll Shelby's signature inside the cockpit.

To give a hint of the Mustang GT 4.6-liter 3V V-8 engine's added capability, the Ford Shelby GT-H is fitted with a custom Shelby Performance hood with pins, and a brushed aluminum grille with running horse emblem. A unique front fascia with integrated lower grille, as well as a set of body side scoops – reminiscent of classic Shelby Mustangs is incorporated for a distinct look. To further catch the enthusiast's eye, the Mustang GT brakes are dressed up with painted calipers, which can be seen through the GT-H's 17-inch aluminum wheels wearing P235/55ZR17 performance rubber.

Ford Racing Performance Group is supplying its popular Power Pack (FR1) to add a genuine 25-horsepower Ford performance kick to the 300-horse Mustang GT 4.6L V-8/Five-speed automatic transmission powertrain and an increase of 10 lb.-ft. of torque. The package includes Ford Racing's 90mm Cold Air kit, the Muffler Kit, a new X-pipe similar to the one used on the new Ford Shelby GT500 Mustang, a performance calibration and a cat-back performance exhaust for that throaty sound that will make this car unmistakably a Shelby Mustang GT-H. To put that extra horsepower to the ground, the Ford Shelby GT-H also comes with the Ford Racing Handling Pack (FR3) installed, including special-tuned dampers inspired from the FR500C, lowering springs, sway bars and a strut tower brace – plus a Ford Racing 3.55:1 ratio rear axle assembly for extra off-the-line acceleration.

Source - Ford

The relationship between Carroll Shelby and the Hertz Corporation dates back many years with special-edition Mustangs provided in a 'Rent-a-Racer' program. Ford supplied the V8 powered Mustangs, Carroll Shelby provided extra performance and style, and Hertz provided the public an opportunity to enjoy these magical creations.

In 2006, the union was rekindled with 500 Shelby GT-H Coupes supplied to the Hertz Corporation. They were available at select airports around the country. Later, an additional 500 GT-H Mustangs were created, this time, they were convertibles. Each Hertz Mustang was painted in Hertz black exterior paint with gold 'Le Mans' dual racing stripes and 'Shelby GT-H' rocker stripes, Hertz Edition emblem, and a Hertz Shelby GT-H sill plate. Each is fitted with a special hood with pins and brushed aluminum grille featuring the running horse emblem. The upgrades continue with 18-inch aluminum wheels, P235/55ZR18 performance tires, custom front facia with integrated lower grille, and a set of body side scoops. The suspension was improved to provide better handling. Under the hood, the 4.6-liter V8, enhanced with Ford's Racing Performance Power Pack (FR1), produces 325 horsepower. There is a 3.55:1 ratio rear axle assembly to handle the power off-the-line. Other features include power steering, tilt wheel, power windows, power locks, cruise control, power seats, and SIRIUS Satellite Radio.

This example is number 179 that spent its early life at the Philadelphia Airport. It has been driven 19,000 miles. It is in good condition; never been in an accident and has no scratches, dents, or dings.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2008