𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝟭𝟵𝟲𝟲 𝗦𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗯𝘆 𝗚𝗧𝟯𝟱𝟬-𝗛 "𝗥𝗲𝗻𝘁-𝗔-𝗥𝗮𝗰𝗲𝗿," is a special muscle car with an interesting history. Here are some of the highlights:
The Legend of the GT350H: Fact or Fiction?
Ever heard the tales of the GT350H, the Hertz rental car that became a track star overnight? Imagine renting a car for the weekend, adding a roll bar, swapping out the engine, hitting the race circuit, and returning it Monday morning as if nothing happened.
These stories have been passed around for years, and while some might seem far-fetched, they add to the mystique of the legendary GT350H.
The Real Story Behind the "Rent-A-Racer"
Back in the fall of 1965, Shelby American and Hertz teamed up to create the GT350H as part of Hertz’s "Rent-A-Racer" program.
The idea was simple: let everyday people experience the thrill of a high-performance Shelby Mustang. And they did—often pushing these cars to their limits. But contrary to popular belief, not all GT350H models were black with gold stripes, nor were they all equipped with automatic transmissions.
While most people associate the GT350H with its iconic black and gold color scheme, Hertz actually ordered these cars in various colors, including red, blue, and green. Some even lacked the classic racing stripes.
Hertz’s indecision on the final look led to a diverse fleet, making each GT350H unique in its own way.
Initially, the plan was to split the GT350H fleet between manual and automatic transmissions.
However, after just 85 manual cars hit the rental lots, Hertz switched to all automatics. The reason? Easier for the average driver to handle—though it didn’t stop enthusiasts from making the most of them on the track.
Brake Drama and Racing Mishaps
The GT350H’s brakes became a hot topic when Hertz demanded power brakes just before production. Shelby American scrambled to meet this request, leading to some interesting (and sometimes unreliable) solutions.
The brakes weren’t exactly user-friendly for city driving, but they were perfect for high-speed stops—ideal for the racetrack, maybe not so much for city streets.
There are Some Tall Tales Surrounding This Car
Many stories about the GT350H involve wild adventures, like swapping out parts for a race or towing a trailer with a rented Shelby.
Some of these stories are true, backed by those who lived through them, while others have likely grown in the retelling. Whether fact or fiction, these tales contribute to the GT350H’s legendary status.
In the early years, owning a former Hertz rental GT350H wasn’t exactly a badge of honor.
These cars were often undervalued, thought to be detuned or less desirable than their dealer-sold counterparts. But as time went on, the unique history of these rentals became a selling point. T
Today, GT350Hs are highly prized, with their rental history adding to their allure and value.
The GT350H is more than just a car—it’s a piece of automotive folklore. Whether you believe all the stories or not, there’s no denying the impact this "Rent-A-Racer" had on the world of high-performance cars.
