NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Fifty years after the Shelby GT350-H was introduced, Ford Motor Company, Shelby American and Hertz unveiled a special run of performance-modified 2016 Ford Mustang GTs named the Shelby GT-H that will be available for rent beginning Memorial Day weekend. As a throwback to the famed Shelby GT350-H “Rent-A-Racer” program of the 1960s, a total of 140 2016 Ford Shelby GT-H’s will be available exclusively through the Hertz Adrenaline Collection at select airport locations in the continental United States.
“The 1966 Ford Shelby GT350-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.”
Fifty years ago, Carroll Shelby and Hertz saw an opportunity to put customers in the driver’s seat of high-performance special edition Shelby’s. Ford supplied the new Mustangs with V8 engines and mostly automatic transmissions, Shelby added extra performance and style and Hertz gave the public access to a unique driving experience through what was known then as its new “Rent-A-Racer” program. 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.
Shelby American, Ford and Hertz repeated history to give the 2016 Ford Shelby GT-H a very classic, muscular look with additional performance capabilities.
“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.”
As with the past two generations, the 2016 Ford Shelby GT-H is instantly recognizable with several styling enhancements that celebrate its heritage. Each Shelby GT-H will wear black exterior paint, set off with gold racing stripes, a hallmark of Hertz vehicles dating back to the 1920s. Shelby’s traditional "Le Mans" dual racing stripes are combined with a set of rocker stripes that include special "Shelby GT-H" nomenclature. Each car will also wear a Hertz Edition emblem on the front fenders, and feature Hertz Shelby GT-H sill plates and a numbered badge.
Ford Performance is supplying a cat-back performance exhaust for that throaty sound that will make this car unmistakably a Shelby Mustang GT-H. To put all of the horsepower to the ground, the Ford Shelby GT-H also comes with the Ford Racing Handling Pack, including special-tuned dampers, lowering springs, sway bars and a staggered wheel kit. The Shelby GT-H rides on 19-inch aluminum wheels wearing high performance Michelin rubber.
To hint at the 5.0 liter V8 engine’s capabilities, the Ford Shelby GT-H is fitted with a unique Shelby-designed vented hood, carbon fiber front splitter and rear spoiler. Special badges appear in the front grille, rear faux gas cap and trunk lid. Inside, Shelby GT-H logos are on the head restraint, sill plates and floor mats.
Shelby American will build the cars at its assembly facility in Las Vegas. With total production expected to number only around 140 units exclusively destined for Hertz rental fleets across the country, this special-edition car will give Hertz customers a truly exclusive driving experience. To watch the build of a Shelby GT-H, visit www.shelby.com.
To learn more about the 2016 Shelby GT-H, visit www.hertz.com/ShelbyGTH. To reserve other vehicles available through the Hertz Adrenaline Collection visit www.hertz.com. Hertz Adrenaline Collection vehicles may also be reserved through travel agents or by calling Hertz toll-free at (800) 654-3131.
About Shelby American, Inc.
Founded by legend Carroll Shelby, Shelby American manufactures and markets performance vehicles and related products. The company builds authentic continuation Cobras, including the 427 S/C, 289 FIA, 289 street car and Daytona Coupe component vehicles; it offers the Shelby GT, 1000, GT500 Super Snake, Shelby Terlingua Racing Team and GTS post-title packages for the 2005-2016 Ford Mustang. Shelby American also offers the Shelby Raptor and Shelby F-150 muscle truck. For more information, visit www.shelby.com.
About Hertz Global Holdings
Hertz Global Holdings operates the Hertz, Dollar, Thrifty and Firefly car rental brands in approximately 9,980 corporate and licensee locations throughout approximately 150 countries in North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia, Australia, Africa, the Middle East and New Zealand. Hertz Global Holdings is the largest worldwide airport general use car rental company with approximately 1,635 airport locations in the U.S. and more than 1,320 airport locations internationally. Product and service initiatives such as Hertz Gold Plus Rewards, NeverLost®, Carfirmations, Mobile Wi-Fi and unique vehicles offered through the Adrenaline, Dream, Green and Prestige Collections set Hertz Global Holdings apart from the competition. Additionally, Hertz Global Holdings owns the vehicle leasing and fleet management leader Donlen Corporation, operates the Hertz 24/7 hourly car rental business in international markets and sells vehicles through its Rent2Buy program. The Company also owns Hertz Equipment Rental Corporation ("HERC"), one of the largest equipment rental businesses with approximately 280 locations worldwide offering a diverse line of equipment and tools for rent and sale. HERC primarily serves the construction, industrial, oil, gas, entertainment and government sectors. For more information about Hertz Global Holdings, visit: www.hertz.com.
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company is a global automotive and mobility company based in Dearborn, Michigan. With about 199,000 employees and 67 plants worldwide, the company’s core business includes designing, manufacturing, marketing, financing and servicing a full line of Ford cars, trucks, SUVs and electrified vehicles, as well as Lincoln luxury vehicles. At the same time, Ford is aggressively pursuing emerging opportunities through Ford Smart Mobility, the company’s plan to be a leader in connectivity, mobility, autonomous vehicles, the customer experience, and data and analytics. For more information regarding Ford, its products worldwide or Ford Motor Credit Company, visit www.corporate.ford.com.
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 255/40ZR19 (front) and 275/40ZR19 (rear)
- Matte black 19 inch wheels with GT-H wheel center caps
Exterior:
- Shelby Carbon Fiber Front Splitter
- Shelby GT-H Polycarbonate Hood w/ 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 LH/RH
- Shelby GT-H Floor Mats
Engine Appearance
- Shelby GT-H engine plaque
- Shelby GT-H engine cap kit