2016 Ford Shelby GT-H. Photo courtesy of The Hertz Corp.

2016 Ford Shelby GT-H. Photo courtesy of The Hertz Corp.

Fifty years after the Shelby GT350-H was introduced, Hertz, Ford Motor Co., and Shelby American have unveiled a special run of performance-modified 2016 Ford Mustang GTs named the Shelby GT-H. It will be available for rent from Hertz beginning Memorial Day weekend.

As a throwback to the famed Shelby GT350-H “Rent-A-Racer” program of the ‘60s, a total of 140 2016-MY Ford Shelby GT-H’s will be available through the Hertz Adrenaline Collection at select U.S. airport locations.

“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 driving experience through what was known then as its “Rent-A-Racer” program.

Hertz, Shelby American, and Ford have repeated history to give the 2016 Ford Shelby GT-H a classic, muscular look with additional performance capabilities, says Hertz.

“For nearly 100 years, understanding our customers’ needs and interests has remained at the forefront of our business,” said Matt Jauchius, executive vice president and chief marketing officer at Hertz Global Holdings. “This special 50th anniversary edition of the Ford Shelby GT-H not only underscores our commitment to deliver a fun and personalized rental experience, but it also has helped Hertz become the premium brand it is today. It’s sure to be an exhilarating drive for anyone who has the chance to get behind the wheel of this one-of-a-kind ride.”

Each Shelby GT-H will wear black exterior paint, set off with gold racing stripes, a hallmark of Hertz vehicles dating back to the 1920s, according to Hertz. Each car will also wear a Hertz Edition emblem on the front fenders and feature Hertz Shelby GT-H sill plates and a numbered badge.

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