Preparing for some travel recently, I recalled reading a snippet of information somewhere that Hertz was bringing back their famed Mustang Shelby GT-H (called the Mustang GT350H in the 1960’s). Carrol Shelby’s Shelby Automobiles modified 500 Ford Mustangs [Shelby GT-H] and shipped them off to Hertz where they can be rented through the end of the year.
Following are photos and notes from a recent rental:
The journey began at the Hertz rental center where a “manager” must review the car and complete an extensive checklist with the prospective renter. The vehicle check includes the engine seal, placed to make sure that there are no repeats of the 1960’s practice of renting a GT350H and swapping engines (removing the powerful Shelby engine and replacing it with a lesser standard Ford motor). A nearby young father with babies in tow genuflected repeatedly as the manager checked over the 350 GT-H for me.
That the ‘stang is shipped with no transmission options [a slushbox (5 speed automatic transmission) is standard] is perhaps one of it’s only failures.
Checking out of my hotel one morning, I walked over to the GT-H and observed another person genuflecting. This time, the enthusiast was a man in his late 50’s. Interestingly, this guy mentioned what great values the Shelby Mustangs are as he had just purchased a BMW Z4 M coupe – car that I’m sure is no slouch.
The GT-H attracted attention everywhere. Nancy wondered what was wrong with Ford that they could not capitalize on this type of devotion.
The attention was amplified when a red late model Mustang GT followed us around for a few miles. The driver caught up during a stop and asked to look over the Shelby. He had just purchased this late model red GT and wanted for a bit of engine action (“ear candy”?). After the Shelby sprung to life, he revved the GT’s V8 and moved down the road.
Fellow drivers and walkers pointed at the GT-H frequently as we enjoyed the fall aspen foliage. These images provide a brief photo summary of our route:
Two Fords: the Shelby GT-H and a propane powered Ford Pickup.
God’s glorious canvas provided a great backdrop for the journey.
Independence Pass
Hoosier Pass
The Hertz Shelby GT-H, a rather enjoyable break from the usual rental car. Hertz will apparently auction their fleet in early 2007 – though autoblog says that they will be sent to “select dealers” for sale (one was sold at auction during the 2006 EAA Airventure for $250K).
I was pleasantly surprised by the fuel efficiency – mid 20’s. I have to agree with Nancy, who wonders what Ford is missing by not leveraging the popularity of these cars. The number of decelerating Porsche drivers, pausing to take a look (C2, C4 and Turbo) was certainly illuminating.
Bob Elton might provide a bit of information with respect to Ford’s lack of Mustang brand identity leverage.