Hertz Special Edition Fords Bring on Rental Racer Nostalgia
Original Hertz/Ford collab launched over 50 years ago. While you may be familiar, you may have missed the other iconic “rental racers.”
In 1966, Hertz brought a collaboration to the table that nobody at the time could have foreseen. The Shelby GT350H is a beast of a car, putting down a mighty respectable 306 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque. While the numbers are no joke, especially for the time, the reason for its existence is what makes the GT350H a legendary car. Hertz took the remarkable Shelby GT350 performance and put it in the hands of anyone who wanted it. The GT350H was a race car for hire, and it wasn’t the last of its breed.
Recently, Ford Authority did us all a favor by outlining the entire lineage of the Hertz rental racer lineup with Ford. While many are familiar with the GT350H, there may be some who do not realize the extent that this collaboration reaches. From sea to shining sea and then some, Hertz’s rental customers had sporty fun at their hands and smiles on their faces.
Hertz Shelby Mustangs through the years
1966 was certainly not the last year a Mustang brandishing the iconic gold racing stripes and the bold letter H on its side. Most recently, the lineup was revived for its 50th anniversary with the 2016 Ford Mustang GT-H. Aside from the apparent external appearance modifications, the GT-H also features a Ford Performance Exhaust system, 19-inch staggered wheels, and the full Ford Performance handling package. That includes lowering springs, anti-roll bars, and new dampers. Furthermore, the GT-H also features trick carbon fiber front and rear bumper spoilers. It is undoubtedly an aggressive-looking ride. Only 140 exist, though. So if you spot one in the wild, cherish the moment while you can.
You’ve seen where the Hertz rent-a-racer program started and its most recent iteration, but let’s explore everything in between.
Just three years after the original rent a racer car, Hertz once again put out a special flagship car. The 1969 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350H, like it’s predecessor, is quite the sight to behold. Don’t get too attached, though. Only 19 were made, and that kind of rarity puts it outside the price point of most of us ordinary folk.
The 1969 GT350H wears a gorgeous Gulfstream Aqua paint scheme that breaks free from the lineup of all its black and gold counterparts. Additionally, the 1969 model does not feature the iconic gold racing stripes. Instead, it features the slightly more subtle body stripe, brandishing only the GT350 badging—no H on this one, folks.
In 2006, Hertz and Shelby got together to mark the 40th anniversary of the original GT350H. To celebrate, they put out another. It makes perfect sense in our minds!
With 325 horsepower, the S197 chassis 2006 examples were not lacking in the power department. Though they are not quite as rare as other Hertz models, only 500 were made. While this could be written off as the least desirable iteration of the rent a racer Mustangs, it is a vital piece of the history, as it was the first return of the Hertz mustang since 1969.
A bit of a departure from the norm
Though there is a Hertz special edition Mustang from 2014, it is missing one characteristic compared to its siblings. This Mustang is not a Shelby Mustang. Instead, Hertz collaborated with racing Team Penske to create another addition to the rent a racer lineage.
Though they don’t have the Shelby touch, they certainly still have plenty of grunt. It features an overhaul of the suspension courtesy of the Ford Performance handling package, as well as a fresh ECU remap, cold air intake, exhaust, and a 3.55 rear gearing. It’ll certainly get up and go!
A little hot hatch bonus
Though the European market did not see a whole lot of the Mustang, Hertz still wanted to bring some fun to our friends on the other side of the pond. Enter the 2014 Ford Focus and Fiesta ST-H. The iconic Ford turbocharged hot hatchbacks got the signature Hertz treatment with gold racing stripes and the legendary H brandishing. These cars were indeed available to rent through Hertz, and both came with manual transmissions.
Though they don’t quite meet the same criteria as the Mustangs, they are certainly still worth an honorable mention. These little track day warriors are often underappreciated in the states!
With Hertz having just filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, whether or not we will see another rent a racer Mustang any time soon is up in the air. Though it would be sad to see them go for good, at least we can fondly look back on the ones from the past.
Photos: Ford Authority