According to a report in Autoweek, car rental giant Hertz may help celebrate its 50th Anniversary by bringing back their Shelby Mustang rental program. The company first made Shelby cars available for rent in 1966.

The program was brought back in 2006 (hardtops) and 2007 (convertibles).Specially modified versions of the cars were built for Hertz use. Exterior and suspension changes, as well as special badging, hallmarked the rental cars. Minor engine modifications provided a slight power increase over stock.

The original program was a popular one, particularly for racers who would pick up the car for the weekend and return it on Monday, sometimes having changed engines or other components. Some cars, according to legend, had roll bars welded in and them removed before being sent back

The Hertz program became popularly known as the “Rent-a-Racer” deal. Initial experience soon caused Hertz to stop ordering manual transmission cars, due to high clutch failure rates.

The Autoweek reports suggests the 2012 program would see the cars available in either black or white paint, with gold stripes. The current 5.0-liter engine and automatic transmission would be the powertrain of choice. Additional modifications, as in previous versions, could be possible.

The company currently offers Mustang GT Deluxe models for rent under its “Adrenaline” program and is gauging interest in a return of a Shelby promotion in 2012. Given sufficient interest, Hertz could launch the promotion as early Spring next year.