I doubt that it would happen today. Could you imagine a mainstream car rental firm offering people the opportunity to slip behind a potent vehicle like a Shelby GT-350? Specialist companies exist that cater to that need, but the legal minefield involved would lead many companies to throw the entire concept in the too-hard basket. However, that wasn’t the case in the 1960s when Hertz and Shelby American collaborated to produce the GT-350H. These are rare classics commanding impressive prices. Someone has attempted to transform this 1966 Mustang into a tribute, but the work hasn’t extended beyond applying the iconic paint and stripe combination. Completing the process is possible, although some enthusiasts might feel that another path is more appropriate. The seller has listed this Mustang here on eBay in West Babylon, New York. Bidding sits at $10,100 in a No Reserve auction.

The 1966 model year was the high-water mark for the First Generation Mustang. Ford found itself in the enviable position of being unable to produce cars to meet buyer demand. However, with 607,568 vehicles rolling off the line in that year alone, the company certainly gave it a red-hot go. The history of this Convertible is unclear, so we remain in the dark regarding when the “Hertz” conversion occurs. It is fair to say that it hasn’t extended beyond the paint and stripe combination, and a few small badges. It hasn’t reached the point of no return, making it straightforward to reverse those changes. The winning bidder may choose to do so during the car’s restoration, because it has a few shortcomings. The Raven Black paint shines nicely from a distance, but close-up shots reveal numerous cosmetic imperfections. Some may be easy to address, but I suspect that the best approach would be to strip and completely repaint this classic. The seller states that this Ford is solid, and there don’t appear to be any significant issues with the rails, torque boxes, or the shock towers. That doesn’t mean it is rust-free, as revealed in this YouTube video. The seller pans across the Mustang’s underside from several angles, and the floors may have a few holes requiring attention. It is worth noting that the seller encourages in-person inspections, allowing potential bidders to drop to the ground and have a close look to determine whether any problems are severe. The trim and glass generally look good, and this Convertible rolls on a spotless set of American Racing Torq Thrust wheels.

It isn’t merely the body that falls short of Hertz status, because this Mustang’s mechanical specifications aren’t as potent as those found in the “Rent-a-Racer.” Although both feature a 289ci V8, the enhanced K-Code utilized in the Shelby produced 306hp and 329 ft/lbs of torque. This Convertible left the line with the C-Code version of the 289, placing 200hp and 282 ft/lbs of torque at the driver’s disposal. A three-speed automatic transmission handles shifting duties, while the first owner passed on such luxuries as power assistance for the steering and brakes. The seller confirms that they recently replaced this Mustang’s fuel tank, ignition switch, and hoses. The only identified potential mechanical fault is in the brakes, with the seller stating that it may require replacement of the wheel cylinders. Otherwise, this beauty runs and drives extremely well, as demonstrated in the YouTube video mentioned earlier.

If this Mustang has a highlight, that honor may fall to its interior. The Black vinyl upholstered surfaces are free from wear and distress, and the dash and pad look excellent. The console adds a luxurious feel, which is heightened by the Shelby wheel. I spotted some loose wires hanging below the dash, but a few minutes spent with a handful of cable ties should fix that problem. It isn’t perfect, but this interior won’t cause the owner embarrassment if they hit the road with the top down.

There was once an urban myth stating that every 1966 Shelby Mustang GT-350H featured Raven Black paint and Gold stripes. It was debunked years ago, because although around 75% featured that combination, these classics were also available in Wimbledon White, Candy Apple Red, Ivy Green, and Sapphire Blue. Completing the transformation of this car is possible, as all the required items are available in reproduction form. However, it will be an expensive process, and one that many would struggle to justify. That begs the question of what you would do if this Mustang’s next journey were to your garage. It will be fascinating to gauge your feedback.