Fifty years after the original Ford Shelby GT350-H captivated enthusiasts, the spirit of the “Rent-A-Racer” program was reignited with the arrival of the Ford Shelby GT-H. This special edition Mustang, born from the continued collaboration between Ford Motor Company, Shelby American, and Hertz, served as a modern tribute to a unique and thrilling chapter in automotive history.
Honoring a Golden Anniversary: The Shelby GT-H emerged as a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the groundbreaking Shelby GT350-H. This original partnership saw high-performance Shelby Mustangs made accessible to the public through Hertz’s innovative rental program, creating an instant legend and a highly sought-after collectible. Decades later, this legacy was revisited, bringing a new generation of enthusiasts the opportunity to experience Shelby performance in a distinctive package.
A Familiar Formula for Excitement: Just like its predecessors, the Shelby GT-H was conceived with a clear mission: to deliver a memorable and exhilarating driving experience. Ford Performance contributed their expertise to enhance the already impressive Mustang GT platform, while Shelby American added their signature performance tuning and unmistakable styling cues. Hertz, in turn, provided the exclusive avenue for enthusiasts to get behind the wheel through their Adrenaline Collection at select airport locations across the United States.
Unmistakably Shelby, Uniquely Hertz: The visual identity of the Shelby GT-H was instantly recognizable, echoing the iconic livery of the original Hertz “Rent-A-Racers.” Each unit was finished in striking black paint, boldly accented by gold racing stripes – a color scheme deeply ingrained in Hertz’s heritage. Shelby’s traditional “Le Mans” dual racing stripes ran the length of the car, complemented by rocker stripes featuring special “Shelby GT-H” nomenclature. Unique Hertz Edition emblems on the front fenders, along with Hertz Shelby GT-H sill plates and a numbered badge, further distinguished this special edition.
Performance Upgrades for an Engaging Drive: While the aesthetics paid homage to the past, the performance of the Shelby GT-H was decidedly modern. Power and Performance: Ford Performance equipped this special Mustang with a cat-back performance exhaust system, delivering a signature throaty sound that left no doubt about its Shelby pedigree. To ensure that power translated into exceptional handling, the GT-H also featured the Ford Racing Handling Pack. This included specially tuned dampers, lowering springs, sway bars, and a staggered wheel kit, providing enhanced cornering agility and a more planted feel on the road. The Shelby GT-H rode on 19-inch matte black aluminum wheels wrapped in high-performance Michelin Pilot Sport all-season tires, ensuring impressive grip and responsiveness.
Aggressive Styling Hints at Potent Capabilities: The exterior design wasn’t just about heritage; it also hinted at the performance potential beneath the surface. A unique Shelby-designed vented hood not only added an aggressive aesthetic but also aided in engine cooling. A carbon fiber front splitter and rear spoiler further enhanced the car’s sporty appearance and potentially improved aerodynamics. Special Shelby GT-H badges appeared on the front grille, rear faux gas cap, and trunk lid, reinforcing its unique identity. Inside, Shelby GT-H logos adorned the head restraints, sill plates, and floor mats, providing a constant reminder of the car’s special lineage. Even under the hood, a Shelby GT-H engine plaque and engine cap kit added to the bespoke feel.
A Limited Run for an Exclusive Experience: With a production run limited to approximately 140 units, exclusively destined for Hertz rental fleets nationwide, the Ford Shelby GT-H offered Hertz customers a truly exclusive and thrilling driving experience. It served as a powerful reminder of the enduring partnership between these automotive icons and the legacy of the original “Rent-A-Racer” program, allowing a new generation to experience the thrill of Shelby performance firsthand.
Summary:
- Modern tribute to the original Shelby GT350-H “Rent-A-Racer.”
- Exclusive collaboration between Ford, Shelby American, and Hertz.
- Distinctive black paint with gold racing stripes.
- Ford Performance cat-back exhaust for a signature sound.
- Ford Racing Handling Pack with tuned suspension components.
- 19-inch matte black wheels with high-performance Michelin tires.
- Unique Shelby-designed vented hood, carbon fiber splitter, and rear spoiler.
- Special Shelby GT-H badging and interior logos.
- Limited production run exclusively for Hertz rental.
Disclaimer: Information is based on historical reports and specifications. Features and availability may have varied.
Source : Ford
AI Assistance: Gemini
