Rental Star
Hertz and Shelby celebrate the Rent-A-Racer anniversary with a new GT-H
By Steve Turner
Photos courtesy of Ford Motor Company
It’s hard to believe that it’s been 50 years since Ford, Shelby and Hertz made the brilliant idea of being able to rent a Shelby Mustang a reality when the companies introduced the 1966 Shelby GT350-H. Today the companies celebrated that anniversary at the New York International Auto Show as they took the wraps off the third Shelby rental in the lineage—the 2016 Shelby GT-H.
“For nearly 100 years, understanding our customers’ needs and interests has remained at the forefront of our business,” Matt Jauchius, executive vice president and chief marketing officer at Hertz Global Holdings, said. “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.”
For more on this unique video, you can see it in action here...
[video=youtube;oOu32BIXSWI]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOu32BIXSWI[/video]
Like the original and the redux in 2006, the latest Shelby GT-H will wear black paint plus the signature gold Le Mans stripes and GT-H rocker stripes. In addition to the stripes, each car will wear a Hertz Edition emblem, Hertz Shelby GT-H sill plates and numbered badges.
“The1966 Ford Shelby GT350-H became a legend from the moment it was introduced,” Co-CEO of Carroll Shelby International and CEO of Shelby American, Joe Conway, said. “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 Mustang ever to wear the iconic Hertz black and gold livery.”
As you would expect, these cars are more than just stripes and Shelby nomenclature. They are upgraded with numerous upgrades, including a cat-back exhaust and a Handling Pack—which includes tuned dampers, lowering springs, sway bars and a staggered-wheel kit—from Ford Performance Parts. The wheels measure 19 inches and wear Michelin tires.
See one being built right here...
[video=youtube;Uk6RITcpKJE]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uk6RITcpKJE[/video]
“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 the performance, sweetened the exhaust note and added distinctive Hertz styling to the Mustang. Anyone who rents a limited edition Ford Shelby GT-H will enjoy a very special driving experience.”
Starting this Memorial Day weekend you will be able to rent one of the 140 Shelby GT-H Mustangs recently constructed at the Shelby facility in Las Vegas, Nevada. These cars will be available at select Hertz airport rental locations as part of the Hertz Adrenaline Collection.
The Mod List
Ford Performance Parts
• Ford Performance Handling Pack
• Ford Performance cat back Exhaust with chrome tip
• Staggered Wheel Kit
Tires/Wheels
• Michelin Pilot Sport all-season tires 255/40ZR19 (front) and 275/40ZR19 (rear)
• Matte black 19 inch wheels with GT-H wheel center caps
Exterior
• Shelby Carbon Fiber Front Splitter
• Shelby GT-H Polycarbonate Hood w/ Hood Vents
• Shelby GT-H Upper and Lower Grille
• Shelby GT-H Rocker Panels with Carbon Fiber Accent Plates
• Shelby GT-H Rear Spoiler
• Shelby GT-H Gold Striping
• Hertz Front Fender Emblem
• Powered by Ford Performance Emblem
• Shelby GT-H Front Grille Emblem
• Shelby C-Pillar Emblem
• Rear SHELBY Letters on Trunk Lid
• Faux Gascap GT-H Logo
• Washer nozzle relocation kit
Interior
• Shelby GT-H Dash Plaque
• Shelby GT-H Head Restraint Cover Set
• Shelby GT-H Sill Plates LH/RH
• Shelby GT-H Floor Mats
Engine Appearance
• Shelby GT-H engine plaque
• Shelby GT-H engine cap kit
In addition to the paint and stripes, the 2016 Shelby GT-H wears a Shelby vented hood, a carbon-fiber front splitter (you better get the full insurance) and a rear spoiler. Shelby GT-H badges are on the front grille, fenders and the trunk lid.
While the 5.0-liter engine in the new GT-H remains stock, it does wear a set of unique billet caps emblazoned with the Shelby GT-H name.
They will definitely hear you coming when you pull up in your Shelby rental car, as the GT-H wears a Ford Performance/Borla cat-back exhaust.
With its predecessors being highly collectible, it’s reassuring the 140 or so 2016 Shelby GT-Hs built will carry a unique CSM number to accompany all the other unique badging.
