In the world of muscle cars, the Shelby G.T. 350H holds a special place as a unique and fascinating piece of automotive history. Many muscle car enthusiasts are familiar with the GT350 H program, where Hertz Rent-A-Car offered customers the chance to rent a powerful Shelby Mustang. However, there is one particular Shelby G.T. 350H that stands out from the rest – one of only two that managed to avoid the fate of being treated like a rental car. In this article, we’ll delve into the captivating stories behind this iconic muscle car and uncover the reasons why it remains a prized possession.
The GT350H Program: Renting Thrills
The year was 1966, and Ford, in collaboration with Shelby and Hertz, devised a clever marketing strategy. They created the GT350H program, allowing customers to rent these high-performance vehicles from their local Hertz rental car dealers.
The idea was simple yet effective – by giving people the opportunity to experience the exhilaration of driving a GT350, the hope was that it would entice them into becoming potential buyers of these powerful machines. The GT350H offered a taste of the iconic Shelby performance, enticing enthusiasts to step into the world of American muscle cars and fostering a connection with the brand. This innovative marketing campaign not only promoted the Shelby G.T. 350’s capabilities but also contributed to its lasting legacy as one of the most revered and sought-after muscle cars of all time.
Enginie
The Shelby G.T. 350H was no ordinary rental car. Under the hood, it boasted a high-output 289 Shelby Cobra engine, churning out an impressive 306 horsepower and 329 foot-pounds of torque. This potent powerplant was accompanied by an aluminum high-rise intake manifold and a specially tuned four-barrel carburetor, along with a fully tuned Shelby exhaust. The suspension was equally impressive, featuring computer-designed front suspension geometry, special springs, tunable Koni shocks, and different lowered sway bars. Disc brakes in the front and oversized rear drums ensured excellent stopping power, making this muscle car a true force on the road.
Despite its rental car origins, the Shelby G.T. 350H became a legend among muscle car enthusiasts. Its striking black and gold paint scheme, complemented by Shelby’s signature Le Mans stripes, made a bold statement on the streets. The iconic Shelby hood scoop and racing-style side mirrors further enhanced its aggressive appearance, setting it apart from ordinary cars of its time. Inside, the cabin exuded a sporty elegance, with comfortable bucket seats, a wood-rimmed steering wheel, and distinctive Shelby badging. This fusion of power and style made the G.T. 350H an instant hit, leaving an indelible mark on the history of American muscle cars.
The 1966 Shelby G.T. 350H holds a unique place in automotive lore, thanks to its dual identity as both a rental car and a high-performance muscle car. This duality adds an air of intrigue to its legacy, as it was a car meant to be enjoyed by everyday drivers and seasoned racers alike. Its limited production and storied history have transformed the G.T. 350H into a highly sought-after collectible, a symbol of the golden era of American muscle, and a true testament to the indomitable spirit of Carroll Shelby’s creations.
From Rental Car to Street Warrior
While many of the GT350H models lived out their rental car days and eventually found their way into Ford dealership lots, there are intriguing tales of some cars being transformed for racing purposes during their rental periods. Some daring individuals reportedly rented these cars, swapped their engines into their own racecars for the weekend, and then returned the vehicles to Hertz, unsuspected.
To address concerns about drivers taking advantage of the four-speed manual transmission, Hertz switched to selling automatic versions after the initial batch. This change aimed to offer a more user-friendly driving experience for rental customers, but it didn’t dampen the car’s high-performance spirit. The Shelby G.T. 350H, with its powerful V8 engine and distinctive Shelby styling, remained a thrilling and sought-after choice among muscle car enthusiasts.
The 1966 Shelby G.T. 350H continues to captivate hearts as a true icon of American automotive history, with its fascinating tales of racing exploits and its unique place in the world of muscle cars. As we delve deeper into its storied past, we uncover a captivating blend of performance, innovation, and intrigue that solidifies its status as a rare gem in the realm of classic muscle cars.
The Unique Destiny of One GT350H
Amidst the excitement of the GT350H program, two prototypes were provided by Shelby for Hertz to evaluate. When Hertz took possession of these prototypes, they counted them as part of the 1,000-car contract. Shelby, on the other hand, interpreted the contract as an additional 1,000 cars on top of the prototypes. As a result, they delivered a total of 1,002 GT350H vehicles.
Interestingly, Hertz, believing they had reached their quota, refused the last two cars. Consequently, these two vehicles never joined the rental fleet. Instead, they were diverted directly to Ford dealerships for sale. This fortunate turn of events saved them from the fate of being rental cars.
A Rarity in the Shelby Registry
The GT350H that never served as a rental car found its way to a Ford dealership and was subsequently sold. It has since become a remarkable rarity and holds a place in the Shelby registry on page 533. The registry tracks the car’s ownership history up until its latest listing, offering a fascinating glimpse into its past.
This particular GT350H stands out with its sleek black exterior and prominent “GT350 H” stripe on the side. While the GT350H was available in a few other colors, the majority featured the iconic black and gold combination. This distinct color scheme added to its allure, making it instantly recognizable on the streets.
Interior
Step inside the 1966 Shelby G.T. 350H, and you’ll be greeted by a driver-focused interior that perfectly complements its high-performance character. The cabin exudes a sporty elegance with its black vinyl bucket seats, featuring prominent “Cobra” stitching that signifies its Shelby heritage. The wood-rimmed steering wheel adds a touch of classic sophistication, allowing drivers to maintain a firm grip while experiencing the thrill of the road. The dashboard is tastefully designed, housing clear and easy-to-read gauges, providing essential information at a glance. Inside, every detail has been carefully restored, from the crisp door panels to the immaculate center console, offering a premium and comfortable driving environment.
Embodying its racing roots, the Shelby G.T. 350H comes equipped with functional features that enhance the driving experience. The floor-mounted shifter for the four-speed manual transmission falls naturally to hand, offering precise gear changes for spirited driving. A floor-mounted emergency brake further adds to the race-inspired ambiance. Despite its performance-oriented focus, the G.T. 350H ensures passenger comfort with a spacious rear seating area, providing room for friends or family to join in on the adventure. The full carpeting and headliner exude a refined feel, further enhancing the overall driving experience.
The Shelby G.T. 350H’s interior design strikes a perfect balance between functionality and luxury. Offering both style and substance, the interior is adorned with subtle Shelby badging and signature accents, reminding occupants that they are part of an elite driving experience. The combination of black vinyl and chrome trim creates a harmonious environment that complements the car’s aggressive exterior. Meanwhile, a premium audio system, albeit an optional feature, allows passengers to enjoy their favorite tunes while cruising in this high-performance masterpiece.
The Shelby G.T. 350H’s interior is a testament to Carroll Shelby’s vision of blending raw power with refined comfort. As you settle into the supportive bucket seat, the unmistakable aroma of well-crafted leather surrounds you, adding to the allure of the driving experience. Every inch of the interior is crafted with precision and care, reflecting the passion of those who brought this iconic muscle car to life. Inside the G.T. 350H, the world fades away, and the road becomes your playground, where you can truly appreciate the fusion of engineering excellence and sheer driving pleasure that defines the essence of the Shelby G.T. 350H.
Conclusion
The 1966 Shelby G.T. 350H holds a significant place in automotive history, not only for its association with the GT350H program but also for the unique fate it narrowly avoided. Escaping life as a rental car, this exceptional muscle car remains a symbol of luck and exclusivity. Its captivating stories and impressive features continue to mesmerize car enthusiasts, ensuring its place as one of the luckiest and most sought-after muscle cars ever built.
