The Ford Mustang 
created quite a stir when it was unveiled to the world in 1964, but it wasn’t until 1965 that the first high-performance pony cars hit the streets and tracks. Often called “Cobras” due to the emblem and paint scheme it shared with the Shelby Cobra Roadster, the first-gen Shelby GT350s reshaped the pony car market, marking the birth of the lightweight, track-prepped muscle car. Initially offered in Wimbledon White with Guardsman Blue stripes, the GT350 became available with non-white colors in 1966. Among them there was a special run wearing a black paint and golden stripes, along with a “GT350-H” badge. These became known as the Hertz “Rent-a-Racer” cars and they’re about to return on the sixth-generation Mustang.
It’s been 50 years since the first Shelby GT350-H was built for the Hertz Corporation and Ford is now planning to launch a 50th Anniversary Edition. It will be called the Ford Shelby Hertz GT-H and will be unveiled on March 21st, at the Classic Car Club Manhattan in New York. Details are scant as of this writing, but the new Hertz Mustang is likely to be based on the track-prepped Shelby GT350 and hit dealerships as a limited-edition muscle car. We’ll be back with updates on Monday so make sure you stick around for the full rundown. Until then, have a look at our speculative review.
Note: 2006 Ford Mustang Shelby GT-H pictured here.
Continue reading to learn more about the 2016 Ford Shelby Hertz GT-H 50th Anniversary Edition.
Exterior
The exterior of the new GT-H is a complete mystery as of this writing, but we have the previous models to provide a few hints. Much like the original 1966 version and the 40th anniversary model launched in 2006, the new GT-H will stand out compared to other Shelby Mustangs by means of a black exterior paint with gold stripes. The coupe could also get a few “Hertz” and “GT-H” badges on the front fenders, but other than that, it should remain identical to the standard GT350.
Look for the same aero-enhanced nose that has been shrunk in every direction, the aggressive splitter and bigger air vents, the redesigned diffuser, and the 19-inch wheels. There’s no word on whether there will be an R package option, but it’s a possibility given that the previous GT-H models were more track-oriented that the regular coupes. However, an R package for the Hertz model would not include paints and stripes.
Interior
I don’t expect the Hertz model to get many new features on the inside. If anything, Ford could go with an all-black interior to pay homage to previous models and add a numbered 50th anniversary plaque on the dashboard. Essentially, customers will enjoy the same features that come with the regular GT350, which is nothing to sneeze at. Highlights include a flat-bottom steering wheel, Recaro bucket seats wrapped in special cloth, and a large collection of driver controls for ABS, stability, traction, suspension stiffness, and exhaust tuning. Also, the chrome and bright finishes have been removed or altered to reduce glare, a feature that should be carried over in the Hertz model as well.
Drivetrain
Likewise, the drivetrain will also be identical to the standard GT350’s, with a 5.2-liter, flat-plane crank V-8 sending 526 horsepower and 429 pound-feet of torque to the wheels. Routing all that oomph to the asphalt will be the same lightweight, six-speed manual and special Ford-tuned Torsen limited-slip differential. A custom exhaust system will help the Hertz sound like a proper, naturally aspirated muscle car.
A custom exhaust system will help the Hertz sound like a proper, naturally aspirated muscle car.
Performance-wise, the GT-H should be as quick as the GT350. Charging from 0 to 60 should take only 3.5 seconds, a massive improvement over the previous Hertz from a decade ago.
Another feature that will set the new GT-H apart from its predecessor will be the Mustang’s new independent rear suspension. Being based on the GT350, it will also use Ford’s high-tech MagneRide magnetic dampers with shocks that can be adjusted independently every 10 milliseconds. Add in the wider front track, increased spring rates, reduced ride height, Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires, and large brake discs with Brembo calipers and this Hertz will be the hottest “Rent-a-Racer” ever produced.
A cool but less likely scenario is a GT-H with a tweaked, more powerful engine. The previous Hertz was offered with Ford Racing’s FR1 Power Pack that added 25 horsepower and 10 pound-feet of torque by using a new cold air kit, mufflers, X-pipe, and axle-back mufflers. However, Ford might want to keep the option of selling a more powerful GT350 for a future model built in very limited numbers.
Prices
Pricing information for the GT-H is not yet available, but it’s safe to assume that the gold-striped muscle car will fetch more than a standard GT350, mostly due to its limited production run. The previous Hertz coupe was offered in only 500 examples and Ford is likely to keep numbers low for the new model as well. Expect the upcoming GT-H to cost around $57,000 before options, which would place it between the GT350 and GT350R.
Competition
Chevrolet Camaro Z/28
The Hertz Mustang never had an actual competitor as neither Chevy nor Dodge built similar vehicles for a car rental agency, but the Camaro Z/28 is a similar option given its track-oriented nature and its performance upgrades. Devel oped as a no-nonsense, lightweight machine, the Camaro Z/28 comes with a naturally aspirated, 7.0-liter V-8 engine rated at 505 horsepower and 481 pound-feet of torque. Albeit less powerful than the supercharged ZL1, the Z/28 benefits from a stripped interior and a chassis tuned to deliver optimum performance on the race course.
The power routes to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission and enables the coupe to hit 60 mph in only 3.8 seconds. Keeping the Z/28 on its best behavior is a set of 19-inch wheels wrapped in Pirelli PZero Trofeo R tires, adjustable spool-valve dampers, and Brembo carbon-ceramic brake rotors and calipers. On the flipside, the current Z/28 is significantly more expensive at $72,305 before options and the next-gen version isn’t likely to have a more affordable sticker.
Find out more about the Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 here.
Conclusion
The original Shelby GT350-H went on to become a legend only months after it went into production and it is now one of the most sought-after and expensive classic Mustangs. The 40th anniversary model was more than worthy of the Hertz name and the prospect of seeing yet another GT-H, this time around based on the meanest road-going Mustang ever built, leave the Ford factory is exciting to say the least. Unlike its predecessor, the new Hertz could be just a standard GT350 with a black-and-gold livery and special badges, but Mustang gearheads shouldn’t be disappointed given the capabilities of Ford’s new track-ready coupe.
LOVE IT
Heritage black-and-gold livery Awesome GT350 performance Anniversary edition with special featuresLEAVE IT
Likely no engine upgrades Likely more expensive than standard GT350