In a chance partnership, Shelby American and the Hertz Corporation joined forces to create a memorable automotive experience – the 1966 Shelby GT350-H, affectionately known as the Hertz Rent-A-Racer. Cementing their alliance, Hertz committed to purchasing 1,000 Shelby Mustang GT350 Fastbacks, designated as the “H-series,” setting the stage for the iconic Rent-A-Racer Program.
Under the agreement, members of the Hertz Sports Car Club, aged 25 and above, could rent the special edition GT350-H for $17 per day, with an additional charge of 17 cents per mile—an enticing offer that captivated performance enthusiasts of the 1960s.
The collaboration not only benefitted Hertz by expanding its clientele but also provided Shelby with a unique opportunity. The Rent-A-Racer program skyrocketed the demand for the 1966 Shelby Mustang GT350, offering potential buyers an unparalleled chance for an “unsupervised” test drive, enabling them to explore the capabilities of the GT350-H firsthand. A total of 1,000 GT350 H models were supplied to Hertz in 1966, with about 915 featuring a C4 automatic transmission.
Chassis no. SFM 6S715, originally part of Hertz’s rental fleet, transitioned to private ownership in 1967. Through the years, it underwent several transformations, with owners like Al Barker and Phillip Wesley contributing to its history. Acquired by Shelby enthusiast David Drotts in 1998, the car underwent meticulous restoration, returning it to its original Hertz livery and adding chrome Magnum 500 wheels.
The GT350 H’s Hi-Po 289-cubic-inch V-8 engine underwent a comprehensive rebuild in 2013, aligning with the original Ford VIN. Maintaining authenticity, features like red oxide floors, Koni shocks, override traction bars, and a correct all-steel hood were retained.
Today, this GT350 H stands as a meticulously preserved piece of automotive history, boasting Hertz-specific chrome Magnum 500 wheels, Goodyear Blue Streak tires, and original “DSO” marking on the rear differential. With a black vinyl interior featuring a Shelby steering wheel and competition-style belts, the car exudes authenticity.
Offered for auction for the first time on RM Sotheby’s, this unique “rent-a-racer” presents enthusiasts with a rare opportunity to own a vintage Shelby masterpiece, perfect for vintage rallies and Shelby club events—a testament to the enduring legacy of a chance partnership between Shelby American and the Hertz Corporation.
Source: RM Sotheby’s
