The success of the new Ford Mustang in the mid-1960s brought Carroll Shelby into the mix to produce a batch of Shelby Mustangs for those pure speed enthusiasts. That included a tuned 289 cubic inch V8 that was tweaked to an output of at least 271 hp. As a marketing ploy, Ford also partnered with Hertz Rent-A-Car for a 1,000 or so copies of the GT350 produced for Hertz’s Rent-A-Racer program that lasted one year. The seller’s ’66 Mustang is a fastback that has been modified to mimic a GT-350H. It doesn’t run and has almost rusted away in many places. Located in Bohemia, New York, this forlorn pony car is available here on eBay for $15,000 OBO.
Hertz’s Rent-A-Racer was designed to give customers with a heavy right foot an opportunity to drive a Shelby Mustang for a reported $17/day. Rumor has it that many of these cars were ridden hard, and some had important parts missing when they were finally returned. Once the cars were turned back over to Ford, we’re unsure what happened to what was left of them. The majority were painted black with gold stripes, though some of them were white with blue stripes. A small number also had 4-speed transmissions, but most were equipped with automatics. Since the program lasted only one year, we suspect the liability and damage to the cars prevented a return engagement.
We don’t know the history of this car, other than the cloning took place at least 40 years ago. It began life as a T-code (200 cubic inch inline-6) fastback, which seems to have many of the bells and whistles of the original GT350-H. But it has led a hard life and apparently was left outside for years to rust away. The hood won’t open far due to rusted/stuck hinges. The body is toast for the most part, so the seller describes this former speed demon as a parts car, at best.
What may make the car worth buying is key Shelby parts from back in the day, like the Paxton supercharger, Shelby oil pan, fiberglass hood, and possibly original wheels. The Ford has front disc brakes, as well. There is no title, so buyers will have to be happy with a bill of sale. At least it rolls okay, so loading it onto a trailer shouldn’t require extraordinary measures. Would you give $15k for this barn find?
I hope there is a Mustang expert among us who can explain why this thing is worth 15K.
If it is worth the asking price, or close to it, it’s based on the parts installed when cloning it into a GT350H. The average commenter will not have any clue as to the value and what they are looking at, it will need to be someone well versed in these cars to know what period “Shelby” parts have real value versus later over the counter parts.
Steve R
It is not worth 15k. Seller has not / can not accurately state what is present and real or JC whitney parts. Is it a K code engine? are the wheels real ? The cars condition is deplorable, so all of the parts he so dearly values are questionable. Huge gamble here.
The real deal Shelby wheels used to go for a premium price ($8000?) a few years ago when new as did a lot of the genuine Shelby stuff but IDK if or how much of what is there that could be considered worth as salvageable on this thing.
Another instance of “yep, gonna get ‘er running again any day now” gone too long?
So sad.
Whats holding the windows in on this stang?
So 15 grand for a vin and maybe an engine to rebuild?
I once had a 289 hipo engine found in a relative barn and given to me back in the day. The heads were okay but since no one punched out the freeze plugs the block was DOA
I salvaged the heads and intake.
So yes 15 grand on rustang fastback vin and possibly non pitted additional items.
Another car parked in “natures garage” until it’s worthless.
Too bad it got this far, the owner really dropped the ball on this one, would’ve been worth and sold for so much more, but who knows why they let it get here. The parts alone could be worth the asking price, buy honestly, looking at the pictures I would pass because of how long they’ve sat for and what the real condition they’re in. If I were selling this I’d pull those parts off so that potential buyers would have a better idea of whether they’re worth refurbishing, whether they actually can be refurbished. The body is beyond saving, so why pay to have it shipped to you only to haul it to the salvage yard, if they’ll take it.