With only 999 produced, the Hertz Shelby GT350H Fastback is one of the rarest and, understandably, one of the most coveted Mustangs to date. But some units are more desirable than others.
Take for instance this one. Besides the fact that it’s in mint condition, it also belonged to the man who came up with the Mustang-based performance cars for Ford. We’re talking about the one and only Carroll Shelby.
Having establish Shelby American Inc. in 1962 and already making a name for himself through the Cobra vehicles and racing program, Carroll Shelby (together with Ford) made a deal with Hertz to offer a limited number of GT350’s for rental – one of the most powerful models available on the market in the 1960’s.
Most of the cars were delivered in the iconic black and gold paint scheme and were advertised, rather suitably, as “Rent-a-Racer” cars. All of the Hertz GT350H’s featured various improvements over their “stock” counterparts, including lengthened exhausts, revised suspension damping, a stamped steel hood, Plexiglas quarter windows, and the list goes on.
According to some urban legends, more than a few rented cars were returned to Hertz with evidence that roll cages were installed, after they were modified in order to comply with various racing standards.
Out of the 999 delivered to Hertz, only a handful featured 4-speed manuals. Sadly, this unit isn’t equipped with a stick shift, but it has the standard issue Shelby 289/306 HP V-8 engine with 4-barrel carburetor and dual exhaust, and a title bearing Carroll Shelby’s name. What more could you ask for?
The car is for sale at Mecum’s Dallas auction, for an undisclosed price.
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