Sharpened Mustang available for hire in the US
Fifty years after the Shelby GT350-H was introduced, Ford, Shelby American and Hertz have unveiled a special run of performance-modified 2016 Ford Mustang GTs named the Shelby GT-H, available for hire in the United States.
The company says the new model is a throwback to the Shelby GT350-H 'Rent-A-Racer' programme of the 1960's.
There will be 140 2016 Ford Shelby GT-H models available for hire at selected airports in the United States, including Los Angeles and San Francisco, both direct Air New Zealand flight destinations.
“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” programThe companies repeated the same formula for the successful Ford Shelby GT-H program in 2006. Ford says 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.”