The collaboration between Ford and Carroll Shelby began in the mid-1960s, and it proved to be more than a turning point for several Ford cars, including the Ford Mustang. Shelby has transformed Mustangs over the years to top-tier levels. In 1966, they worked alongside Ford and the Hertz Corporation to develop the 1966 Ford Mustang Shelby GT-350H, essentially a high-performance rental car. If you were unfamiliar, Hertz Corporation was and still is one of the world's largest car rental companies, a wholly owned and indirect subsidiary of Ford Motor Company. More of that some other time. What's underneath the 1966 Ford Mustang Shelby GT-350H's hood?
There were a variety of engine options for the 1966 Mustang across all trim levels, but the Shelby GT-350H was sold exclusively with a 4.7-liter (289 cubic inches) Cobra V8 with around 306 horsepower and 329 lb.ft sent to the rear wheels. Most examples came with a 4-speed automatic, with the minority getting the 4-speed manual. Mechanically, the GT-350H also differed from other Mustang models with Ford, including a performance suspension and heavy-duty brakes. These upgrades, along with exterior and interior enhancements, contributed to a weight increase, bringing the 1966 GT-350H's weight to approximately 3,150 pounds. Despite that, car and Driver estimates a 0-60 mph time of 6.6 seconds and a top speed of 117 mph, which is respectable for a car over six decades old.
Like other first-gen Mustangs, the Ford Mustang Shelby GT 350H cabin has a basic design featuring only the essentials, such as the analog gauges on the dash, a radio unit, and a speaker atop the dash. The seats were made out of vinyl like other models. In some examples, you might find Shelby badges scattered through the cabin and slightly better materials such as woodgrain, which was an option for buyers who didn't want the interior painted metal, especially on the dash on the center console. There were other better options, but given that Hertz was going to rent the cars out, perhaps it made no sense to go all out on the configurator maybe?
Most 1966 Ford Mustang Shelby GT-350H models were finished in black with a gold racing stripe running from the front to the rear bumper. While the exact number is unclear, a smaller number were finished in Sapphire Blue, Ivy Green, Candyapple Red, and Wimbledon White, which tend to be even more expensive. Besides the racing stripes, other distinguishing features of the 1966 Shelby GT-350H include a unique Shelby badge on the rear panel and a functional hood scoop that aids in engine cooling. Additionally, the 1966 GT-350H came with 5-spoke lightweight Mag wheels, a popular choice for performance-oriented classic muscle cars.
Given the era in which it was produced, it's understandable that the 1966 Ford Mustang doesn't offer any gadgetry. But again, isn't that what we want? A distraction-free driving experience. The only technology evident is through the car's mechanicals, for example, the hood scoop and the lighter wheels. The engine was also upgraded with an aluminum high-rise intake manifold, Holley four-barrel carburetor, strengthened headers, and more, making it one of the best pony car engines during production. Inside, it's a gamble whether you get AC or not and if you plan on driving during the winter, you better check if that heater works and the manual windows go up fully.
Only 1,000 examples of the 1966 Ford Mustang Shelby GT-350H were built, leading to their high market prices, which are expected to continue rising. Some sources suggest that not all units were sold after serving as Hertz rental cars, but those sold have become highly sought-after collector's items, often fetching upwards of $200,000. According to Classic.com, the average selling price is $181,000, with the highest recorded sale being $313,000 on October 15, 2022. Exotic Car Trader is no stranger to rare classics. You might find a 1966 Ford Mustang Shelby GT-350H you've been searching for among our Ford Mustang listings. Also, be sure to check out our other Ford listings as well for the most competitive prices.
The 1966 Ford Mustang Shelby GT-350H represents a distinctive chapter in Ford's history. It brought the Mustang experience to a broader audience during its tenure as a Hertz rental car. Maybe the idea was to reassure potential buyers before buying their Mustangs. We might never know. Exotic Car Trader creates an exclusive and safe way of buying and selling cars, eliminating the daunting experiences of private selling for buyers and sellers. Every vehicle listed on Exotic Car Trader goes through a private seller verification process, ensuring legitimacy for our buyers. Also, Exotic Car Trader's car buying process is well outlined, with all fees and packages providing our buyers with a seamless and inclusive experience. We can handle the escrow of funds at no additional cost to the buyer and seller, and we also provide trade-in and financing options for buyers. For transaction safety, our Transactions Team is world-class and equipped with industry fraud detection tools to ensure a safe and secure transaction. These are just some of the benefits you enjoy when buying or selling on Exotic Car Trader. Contact us for listing services or to buy a car on Exotic Car Trader today! For some, it could be the rarity and collectability that makes them buy a 1966 Ford Mustang Shelby GT-350H, but it could be something different for you. The gold and black paint job perhaps?
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