Vehicle Description
There was a time in the late 1960s when $17/day would put you
behind the wheel of a genuine Shelby GT350H. The folks at Hertz
likely envisioned the cars leisurely cruising down coastal highways
but, with 306hp on tap, enthusiasts found more creative uses for
them. There are endless tales of GT350H's returning to the lot with
worn tires, roll bar mounts - even entirely different engines. It's
hard to say how many of those stories are true but the Rent-A-Racer
name stuck and the cars that survived their rental duties intact
are worth a mint. To commemorate these legendary cars, Shelby
created the 2006 GT-H. One of just 500 produced, this retired
rent-a-rarity racked up just 11,957 miles. A blast to drive and
clean in every way, this 2006 GT-H is sure to follow in the
footsteps of the GT350H. If you missed out on the first Hertz cars,
don't miss your chance at redemption! The fifth generation of
Mustang is widely considered some of Ford's best line work in
decades. With its bulging fenders and crisp lines, the look plays
well into the current trend of nostalgic design and appeals to just
about everyone who sees one. This GT-H takes those crowd-pleasing
traits and wraps them in an immediately recognizable color scheme -
black and gold. The combination served the original GT350H well and
looks killer across late-model lines. The car survived its rental
car days and looks absolutely beautiful without the typical wear
and tear of a rental car. It is quite clear that the Hertz Shelby
customers are a more careful breed of driver! The paintwork is
glossy and free of any issues. Accented by thick gold stripes along
the top and a matching strip along the rocker panel, the package
hearkens back to the Shelby's of yore. As a practically brand new
car, panel fitment and overall finish is excellent thanks to modern
production methods. While the black and gold combo is enough to tip
off most enthusiasts, the GT-H further reveals its pedigree through
a combination of Ford Racing and Shelby pieces. At the front, the
factory grille was scrapped in favor of a brushed-aluminum
replacement sporting a classic pony badge. Below, a Shelby lower
front fascia combines with an aggressive hood to change the entire
demeanor of the car. Classic '60s-style hood pins were also added
for some retro flair. Along the side, "Hertz" badges replace the
factory "GT" markings while side scoops play up a classic Mustang
design cue. At the rear, "Shelby" is spelled out across the
decklid, just under the stock Ford spoiler. Four-inch exhaust tips
fit underneath cutouts in the rear fascia, hinting that this is
more than a regular GT. The total package is respectfully
reminiscent of the original GT350-H's while still retaining a
completely modern look. Lift the hood and you'll find one Ford's
venerable 4.6L mod motors. These engines turned out a respectable
300hp in stock trim but, of course, nothing leaves Shelby without
some kind of upgrade. For the GT-H, that upgrade comes in the form
of a Ford Racing Power Pack. First, the ECU is reflashed for a more
aggressive timing curve. Next up, breathing is made easy through a
90mm cold air intake, freer-flowing mufflers and an X-pipe that
replaces the more restrictive H-pipe. The upgrades add roughly 25hp
and 10lb. ft. of torque. Given the approximate 35hp difference
between a GT350H and the Hi-Po Mustangs of the day, even gains
remain true to Shelby history. The engine fires up with ease and
sounds killer through the revised exhaust system. Authenticity is
provided by a Shelby ID on the core support which identifies this
GT-H as #06H319. Peek underneath and you'll find a solid modern
chassis with numerous Shelby upgrades. These cars were actually
shipped out to rental duty so a five-speed automatic was chosen to
please the masses. Behind that transmission, a rugged Ford 8.8-inch
rearend houses 3.55 gears instead of the stock 3.31's.
Interestingly, the Shelby team found that opening up the diff and
changing the ring and pinion wasn't exactly cost-effective, so the
GT-H's all received entirely new rearends. Around the drivetrain,
Ford's FR-3 suspension includes new dampers, new roll bars, and
stiffer springs which lower ride height by approximately 1.5-inches
compared to stock. Being a late model car, it has all the features
modern drivers including four-wheel disc brakes and power steering
aided by a twin-bar strut tower brace. At the corners, 18-inch Ford
five-spokes wrapped in Pirelli P-Zero rubber connect the chassis to
the road. Combined, these elements make for a livelier take on the
Mustang with plenty of bite off the line and handling that is crisp
and predictable. Open the doors and you'll find a standard GT
interior. Of course, standard isn't a bad thing in this case. The
high-back black leather bucket seats are firm and supportive,
divided by a center console that houses the shifter, cup holders
and adequate storage. Behind the three-spoke steering wheel,
instrumentation keeps tabs on speed, revs, fuel, temperature, oil
pressure and alternator output from chrome trimmed gauges. The dash
is an attractive piece with silver trim and chrome accents around
the vents with a Shelby ID plate in the center, once again
verifying this as #06H319 Below, the awesome Shaker 500 audio
system has been equipped with an external Sirius controller while
just below controls for the air conditioning and heater add some
extra creature comforts. Every soft surface looks showroom fresh,
making the cabin a pleasant place to spend time. An interesting
note - This car has Carroll Shelby's Real signature (in addition to
the factory numbered plate) on the passenger side airbag door. This
signature was hand signed by Mr. Carroll Shelby himself, before his
passing. Documentation for this Shelby includes the original bill
of sale, certificate of authenticity's plus all related booklets
and manuals. With a legendary look, plenty of power and a daily
driver-friendly interior, there's isn't much to dislike about the
car. Factor in its rarity, excellent presentation and inevitable
future value climb and it just keeps looking better. If you're
ready to park your money in something fun and easy to own, this
2006 Shelby GT-H is just the ticket.
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