Fifty years after the Shelby GT350-H was introduced, Ford Motor Company, Shelby American and Hertz unveiled a special run of performance-modified 2016 Ford Mustang GTs named the Shelby GT-H that will be available for rent beginning Memorial Day weekend. As a throwback to the famed Shelby GT350-H “Rent-A-Racer” program of the 1960s, a total of 140 2016 Ford Shelby GT-H’s will be available exclusively through the Hertz Adrenaline Collection at select airport locations in the continental United States.
“The1966 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. “Ten years ago, the 2006 Ford Shelby GT-H earned the same ‘rock star’ status when it was introduced at the New York Auto Show. We worked closely with Ford Performance to make the 2016 Shelby GT-H the most exciting Mustangever to wear the iconic Hertz black and gold livery.”
Fifty years ago, Carroll Shelby and Hertz saw an opportunity to put customers in the driver’s seat of high-performance special edition Shelby’s. Ford supplied the new Mustangs with V8 engines and mostly automatic transmissions, Shelby added extra performance and style and Hertz gave the public access to a unique driving experience through what was known then as its new “Rent-A-Racer” program. The companies repeated the same formula for the successful Ford Shelby GT-H program in 2006. Today, the story of the Shelby/Hertz “Rent-A-Racer” is legendary and the first two generation cars are among the most coveted by collectors worldwide.
Shelby American, Ford and Hertz repeated history to give the 2016 Ford Shelby GT-H a very classic, muscular look with additional performance capabilities.
“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 theperformance, sweetened the exhaust note and added distinctive Hertz styling to the Mustang.Anyonewho rents a limited edition Ford Shelby GT-H will enjoy a very special driving experience.”
The 2016 special edition Ford Shelby GT-H marks another Hertz car rental milestone in offering high-performance and specialty vehicles throughout the company’s 98-year history, and today through its Adrenaline, Dream Cars and Prestige collections.
“For nearly 100 years, understanding our customers’ needs and interests has remained at the forefront of our business,” said Matt Jauchius, executive vice president and chief marketing officer at Hertz Global Holdings. “This special 50th anniversary edition of the Ford Shelby GT-H not only underscores our commitment to deliver a fun and personalized rental experience, but it also has helped Hertz become the premium brand it is today. It’s sure to be an exhilarating drive for anyone who has the chance to get behind the wheel of this one-of-a-kind ride.”
As with the past two generations, the 2016 Ford Shelby GT-H is instantly recognizable with several styling enhancements that celebrateitsheritage. Each Shelby GT-H will wear black exterior paint, set off with gold racing stripes, a hallmark of Hertz vehicles dating back to the 1920s.Shelby’s traditional “Le Mans” dual 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 badge.
Ford Performance is supplying a cat-back performance exhaust for that throaty sound that will make this car unmistakably a Shelby Mustang GT-H. To put all of the horsepower to the ground, the Ford Shelby GT-H also comes with the Ford Racing Handling Pack, including special-tuned dampers, lowering springs, sway bars and a staggered wheel kit. The Shelby GT-H rides on 19-inch aluminum wheels wearing high performance Michelin rubber.
To hint at the 5.0liter V8 engine’s capabilities, the Ford Shelby GT-H is fitted with aunique Shelby-designed vented hood, carbon fiber front splitter and rear spoiler. Special badges appear in the front grille, rear faux gas cap and trunk lid. Inside, Shelby GT-H logos are on the headrestraint, sill plates and floor mats.
Shelby American will build the cars at its assembly facility in Las Vegas. With total production expected to number only around 140 units exclusively destined for Hertz rental fleets across the country, this special-edition car will give Hertz customers a truly exclusive driving experience.
Source: Ford