The 2016 Ford Shelby GT-H Has Officially Been Unveiled

We’ve had the pleasure of witnessing the 50th anniversaries of both the Mustang GT and the Shelby GT350. The passing of both of these anniversaries has made automotive history. This week, we can proudly add another one to our list.

At this year’s New York International Auto Show, a collaboration between Ford Motor Company, Shelby American, and Hertz has produced the 50th anniversary of the Ford Shelby GT-H.

Many Mustang enthusiasts are familiar with the history behind the Shelby GT-H program. For those of you who aren’t, you’re in for a treat. There’s a reason why the all-new 2016 Ford Shelby GT-H is the fastest and most capable Shelby Hertz Mustang to-date. Shelby, along with Ford have over fifty years of experience modifying V8 equipped Mustangs, and this is the third time since 1966 the two have teamed up to build a rent-a-racer. That history dates all the way back to 1966 with the first generation car, the 1966 Shelby GT350-H.

Back in ’66, Carroll Shelby saw fit that every American should have an opportunity to drive a Shelby Mustang. With Ford on board to supply V8 equipped Mustangs with automatic transmissions, Shelby took to modifying the Mustangs with performance and styling upgrades. Dubbed the ‘Rent-A-Racer’ program, these modified Shelby GT350 cars were available for rent to the public through many Hertz dealerships across the country. After a nearly 40 year hiatus the project was once again revived for the S197 generation, and now it has returned for the S550.

“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.”

The Shelby’s rear-end is just as menacing as the front thanks to it’s gold and black Hertz livery and Shelby exterior upgrades.

The third incarnation of the GT-H utilizes the current S550 Mustang GT platform as it’s foundation; making it the first GT-H to come equipped with an independent rear suspension setup.

The all-new 2016 GT-H features a few tasteful upgrades over a stock Mustang GT, both performance-wise and on the exterior.

“Our goal was to give everyone a chance to add some fun to their travel with a distinctive American pony car,” said Doug White, Ford Performance Parts manager. “So Ford Performance and Shelby American sharpened the handling, improved the performance, sweetened the exhaust note and added distinctive Hertz styling to the Mustang. Anyone who rents a limited edition Ford Shelby GT-H will enjoy a very special driving experience.”

White refers to the addition of a Ford Performance cat-back exhaust system on the all-new GT-H, as well as a Ford Racing Handling Pack. The handling pack includes special-tuned dampers, lowering springs and sway-bars, and a set of staggered 19-inch aluminum wheels specific to the all-new GT-H wrapped in high-performance Michelin rubber.

The all-new Ford Shelby GT-H shares many of the classic livery appearances from the first two iterations. However, this version steps things up a bit by incorporating more unique and Shelby specific exterior upgrades. For starters, the all-new GT-H will continue using the classic black exterior paint finish and iconic gold Le Mans dual racing stripes livery which started fifty years ago.

Special badges can be found throughout the interior and exterior of the all-new GT-H, as well as sill plates and numbered plaques for each of the 140 limited production GT-H models that will be produced.

“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 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.”

The all-new GT-H will be available for rent beginning Memorial Day weekend of this year. As part of the ‘Hertz Adrenaline Collection’, the GT-H will be available exclusively at select airport locations across the continental United States under the ‘Rent-A-Racer’ program.

Shelby American will take on the task of building the all new GT-H at its assembly location in Las Vegas, Nevada. But with a total production of just 140 limited units which have been exclusively designed for Hertz rental fleets, you’d better act fast if you want to get your chance behind the wheel of one.

Check out the list below for all of the details on the all-new 2016 Ford Shelby GT-H. And if you’re craving even more information, head over to Shelby American’s website here for more details.

Ford Shelby GT-H Specifications: