The 1966 Shelby GT350H Fastback remains one of the most audacious marketing triumphs in automotive history, born from a partnership between Carroll Shelby and the Hertz Corporation. While most of these rental legends were equipped with automatic gearboxes for public use, this specific car, chassis SFM6S590, is an elite rarity. It is one of only 85 units factory-produced with a 4-speed manual transmission, making it a true driver-focused machine among its siblings. As it prepares to cross the block at Indy 2026, this Black and Gold icon represents a rare opportunity to own a high-performance slice of the legendary Rent-A-Racer program.
The Menacing Silhouette of a Rental Legend
Dressed in its signature Black finish with contrasting Le Mans stripes, the exterior of this GT350H exudes a purposeful and aggressive character. The fastback silhouette is defined by its clean lines and functional racing cues, including the plexiglass rear quarter windows that improved visibility for track-minded drivers. Every detail reflects the 1966 model year updates, such as the functional rear brake scoops and the iconic Hertz-specific branding. This car maintains the classic stance that made it a terror on both the street and the race track, ensuring it remains an unmistakable presence in any prestigious collection.
Purposeful Black Cabin Built for Performance
The interior of SFM6S590 is finished in a timeless Black, maintaining the spartan and focused environment Carroll Shelby intended for his performance machines. Standard Mustang luxury was stripped back in favor of high-performance utility, featuring low-back bucket seats and a clean, uncluttered center console area. Because this is a genuine 4-speed manual car, the floor-mounted shifter serves as the centerpiece of the driving experience, offering a tactile connection often missing from the more common automatic variants. The cabin remains a period-correct cockpit that invites the driver to engage directly with the mechanical soul of the vehicle.
The Raw Heart of the 289 High Performance
Motivation for this fastback comes from the venerable 289 CI V-8 engine, a powerplant tuned by Shelby to deliver a sharp and responsive driving feel. This engine was famous for its high-revving nature and reliability under pressure, paired here with the highly desirable 4-speed manual transmission. The manual gearbox allows the driver to fully exploit the powerband of the small-block V-8, providing a level of engagement that defined the early Shelby era. This mechanical combination produces a factory benchmark of 306 hp/310 PS and 329 lb-ft/446 Nm, ensuring that this rental icon performs with contemporary authority.
| Technical Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Chassis Number | SFM6S590 |
| Engine | 289 CI V-8 |
| Transmission | 4-Speed Manual |
| Production Rarity | 1 of 85 Manuals |
| Exterior Color | Black |
| Body Style | Fastback |
Scarcity and Value in the Shelby Market
While standard GT350s are highly sought after, the Hertz editions occupy a unique niche in the market, with the manual transmission cars representing the absolute pinnacle of the series. Standard competitors like the period Corvette Stingray or the standard Mustang GT cannot match the specific provenance of the Hertz program. With only 85 manual examples produced, SFM6S590 is far rarer than its automatic counterparts, making it a blue-chip investment for serious collectors. Its unique selling point is this mechanical scarcity, which historically leads to stronger price retention and higher demand at major auction events.
A Final Look at a Rare Manual Fastback
This 1966 Shelby GT350H Fastback is a remarkable survivor that highlights the very best of the Shelby-Hertz collaboration. By combining the legendary Black and Gold aesthetic with the rare 4-speed manual gearbox, SFM6S590 offers a driving experience that is as authentic as it is rare. It stands as a testament to a time when you could truly rent a race car on Friday and return it on Monday. As a highly documented and rare manual variant, it is poised to be a standout performer when it crosses the block at the upcoming Indy 2026 auction.
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Source: mecum.com
