In late 1965 Shelby American and Hertz agreed to a deal that would be mutually beneficial. Shelby would create 1,000 Shelby Mustang GT350-Hs which would all be provided to Hertz for their “Rent-a-Racer” program. Yep, you could go to your local Hertz rental car agency and take the keys to a real-deal Shelby GT350 for $17 a day plus $0.17 per mile! The brochure from 1966 said, “These cars are available to business travelers who want a change of pace in motoring, by sports car owners away from home and by vacations who consider driving an enjoyable sport.” This particular car is Shelby SFM-6S1621 and can be found here on eBay with an asking price of $175,000. It was recently pulled from long-term storage and is being sold by the Stephen Becker Automotive Group in Georgia. Let’s take a closer look at this classic car and if you want to learn more about the Hertz Rent-a-Racer program, check out their website here on hertz.com.
Here you can see the Shelby serial number tag listing it as SFM-6S1621. Originally sent to Metke Ford in Bellevue, Washington for rental preparation, it was then transferred to Hertz Seattle for rent. These cars have extensive documentation, not only with the Shelby Registry but with Hertz as well. A prospective buyer should do their due diligence and ensure this car is represented accurately since there is certainly a financial incentive for people to fabricate provenance.
There’s a bit of an urban legend surrounding these cars, specifically the engines. Apparently several of these cars were rented then returned with a different powerplant installed. I don’t know if this was a rampant problem, but according to the ad, this specific engine is the original numbers-matching 289 high-performance V8. It features a Holley carburetor, special intake, and headers with dual exhaust. This particular car has an automatic transmission, which was probably a wise choice for a rental car.
The interior is the original black. Standard features include the dash-mounted tachometer, wood-rimmed steering wheel, and fold-down rear seats.
The paint is raven black with the Hertz gold racing stripe and trim. The car was apparently pulled from long-term storage. There is a huge list of maintenance items and parts that have been completed in the ad. The seller says the work was done in October 2019. Overall, it looks like a great car that will serve the new owner well for years. What do you think?
Nice car! Don’t know about the engine swaps but I do recall Hot Rod magazine saying there were instances where Hertz would get returns and there were signs under the carpet that roll bars had been installed.
That’s quite the retirement asking price for a rental car. I am sure it only rented by little old ladies and respect was given 😜 A cool car to read about though..
Hmm for a 175 grand one could get a cool 428 KR cobra 1968 with 40 grand left to convert the garage into a nice man cave with bar, bathroom and bark a loungers . Then of course the KR would crush the 289 auto too… and take its lunch money racing 👀
I suggest ask one million dollars and then settle with will Entertain reality offers 💰💰😏
I like everything about it except the ask👀👍
One could also purchase a 2020 Mustang Shelby GT 500 with 750+ horsepower and have $100,000 left in the bank.
Bark a loungers? Do you mean Barcaloungers?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OKKJCaKvfZI
That was a great phone call made me laugh thank you!
This Shelby is overpriced, right in line with the dealer that is selling it. Nice looking Shelby.
I hear the overpriced comments, but these really seem to have been going up lately. Very, very cool cars, but I have to admit to owning one . . ..
Share pics!
The rent-a-racer idea was so bold. It’s surprising that more rentals were not totaled or seriously wrecked by inexperienced drivers. Or that the original engines somehow survived the abuse they must have taken at the hands of renters whose intentions were to go very fast.
Rare pony but strangely enough I get to wrench on three 350h’s! 2 auto and 1 manual. I have to say, I would take a K code 289 over a 428 dual quad any day. Easier to work on, better idle quality and just plain goof proof.
$175k for this one…hmm…maybe. The Hertz do fair well amongst all other Mustangs. But, classic muscle car prices are let’s just say a bit soft right now so I’m not sure how this example will fair.
Even at BJ they only go for 125 140k car dealers are always overpriced
My Dad brought one of these home for a few days. He was waiting for his new Hertz corporate ride to come in. I was a bit too young to really appreciate it.