To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' Fort Lauderdale event, 29
- 30 March 2019.
Estimate:
$180,000 - $220,000
- 306-hp, 289-cu. in. Hi-Po V-8 engine
- Factory C4 automatic transmission
- One of 999 Shelby GT350s rented through Hertz
- Thought to be one of no more than 50 finished in Candy Apple
Red
- Restored in 1974
- History file, including original owner's manual, original
purchase invoice, original registration, and title documents
In 1965 the Shelby Mustang came to life with the introduction of
the high-performance Shelby GT350. This lighter, more powerful, and
race-ready Mustang became an instant hit on and off the track. The
car was such a success that in September of that same year, Shelby
struck a deal with Hertz and offered the GT350 H as a rental car.
This program was appropriately labelled "Rent-A-Racer" and cleverly
promoted the new Shelby to potential buyers. Only 999 of these cars
were delivered to Hertz in 1966, and a total of 1,001 were
produced. Today, the unique history and extreme rarity of the GT350
H has rendered it highly desirable.
This example, SFM 6S999, was delivered to Hertz in Dayton, Ohio, on
18 February 1966. It is finished in Candy Apple Red with Gold Le
Mans stripes. Following its release from Hertz in May 1967, it was
retained by Gallagher's Ford Centre in West Virginia, and sold to
is first private owner in April 1969. After changing hands very few
times during its time in the U.S., it was imported to Australia in
2012. It is believed to be one of only 12 red/gold cars left in
existence.
Fully restored in 1974, the paintwork is showing a wonderful
patina. The original 306-hp Shelby-enhanced 289-cu. in. Hi-Po V-8
is paired to a factory C4 automatic transmission and remains a
pleasure to drive. The driveline is all original, including the
9-in. 3.50:1 limited-slip differential. After a life of meticulous
mechanical maintenance, this example is ready to be enjoyed.
Accompanying this Shelby is an extensive history file, including
details on its previous owners, original owner's manual,
verification of originality, original purchase invoice, original
registration and title certificates, and maintenance invoices. With
excellent provenance, this example truly is a time capsule. As an
incredibly rare and unique piece of American motor history, these
Hertz GT350s have become extremely collectable.
Please note that contrary to the printed catalogue, this car was
restored in 1974.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction,
please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/fl19.