Mark Houlahan Tech Editor, Mustang Monthly March 21, 2016 Photos By: Shelby American, Inc.

Any Mustang worth their chrome pony emblem knows the history of Carroll Shelby working with Hertz Rent-A-Car in 1966 to build special Shelby G.T. 350 Mustangs for Hertz’s new Rent-A-Racer program. Both Shelby and Hertz felt the program would be a great way to get renters into specially prepared Shelbys and enjoy the thrill of being behind the wheel of a real performance machine. The specially prepared Mustangs featured automatic transmissions (though a few did squeak through with four-speeds) that Shelby added their traditional G.T. 350 upgrades to and then topped them off with special Hertz gold Le Mans stripes and “G.T. 350-H” rocker stripes. The companies repeated the same formula for the successful Ford Shelby GT-H program in 2006. Today, the story of the Shelby/Hertz “Rent-A-Racer” is legendary and the first two generation cars are among the most coveted by collectors worldwide. Today, Ford, Shelby, and Hertz are proud to unveil the 2016 Shelby GT-H in honor of the original’s 50th anniversary in advance of the New York International Auto Show at the Classic Car Club Manhattan.

This special 50th anniversary GT-H will be a limited run of 140 units which will be available for rent beginning Memorial Day weekend, 2016 available exclusively through the Hertz Adrenaline Collection at select airport locations in the continental United States. “The 1966 Ford Shelby G.T. 350-H became a legend from the moment it was introduced,” said Joe Conway, Co-CEO of Carroll Shelby International and CEO of Shelby American. “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.”

Shelby American, Ford and Hertz have repeated history once again to give the new 2016 Ford Shelby GT-H released today a truly classic, muscular and distinctive look that is instantly recognizable with additional performance capabilities from Ford Performance and Shelby American. “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.”

The 2016 special edition Ford Shelby GT-H marks another Hertz car rental milestone in offering high-performance and specialty vehicles throughout the company’s 98-year history, and today through its Adrenaline, Dream Cars and Prestige collections. “For nearly 100 years, understanding our customers’ needs and interests has remained at the forefront of our business,” said Matt Jauchius, executive vice president and chief marketing officer at Hertz Global Holdings. “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.”

There will be no mistaking the 2016 Ford Shelby GT-H for anything but a Shelby/Hertz Mustang with its iconic gold Le Mans stripes over Ford’s rich and deep Shadow Black basecoat/clearcoat finish. Matching rocker stripes that include special “Shelby GT-H” nomenclature, along with special Hertz Edition emblems, finish off the exterior. Inside you’ll find the Shelby GT-H logo on the seat headrests, floor mats, and on the doorsill plates. A serialized vehicle badge is found under the hood. Besides the distinctive color and badging, the Ford Shelby GT-H will have one heck of an exhaust note courtesy of a Ford Performance cat-back performance exhaust system. The Shelby GT-H also features a Ford Performance Handling Pack (lowering springs, larger anti-sway bars, and specific tuned dampers). Shelby American adds a unique vented hood, carbon fiber front splitter, and rear spoilers. Lastly, special staggered fit 19-inch Ford Performance wheels with “GT-H” center caps are wrapped in high-performance Michelin rubber.

Shelby American will build the Ford Shelby GT-H at its vehicle assembly facility in Las Vegas, where it currently builds the Shelby Super Snake, Shelby Raptor, continuation Cobras, and other Shelby vehicles. Total production is expected to number only around 140 units, which will be destined for Hertz rental fleets across the country. This special-edition car will give Hertz customers a truly exclusive driving experience. You can watch the actual build of a Shelby GT-H at www.shelby.com. To learn more about the 2016 Shelby GT-H, visit www.hertz.com/shelbygth. Hertz Adrenaline Collection vehicles may also be reserved through travel agents or by calling Hertz toll-free at 800.654.3131. Stay tuned to Mustang-360.com for more on the Ford Shelby GT-H as we’re hoping to be in line Memorial Day weekend to rent one ourselves for a first-hand look!

Ford Shelby GT-H Specifications:

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 P255/40ZR19 (front) and P275/40ZR19 (rear)

- Matte black 19-inch wheels with GT-H wheel center caps

Exterior:

- Shelby Carbon Fiber Front Splitter

- Shelby GT-H Polycarbonate Hood with 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 Gas cap 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

- Shelby GT-H Floor Mats

Engine Appearance

- Shelby GT-H engine plaque

- Shelby GT-H engine cap kit