132818 / 1966 Shelby GT350-H

This 1966 Shelby GT350H is quite likely the finest in the world. Where many of these cars lost their high performance parts after a rental weekend or at Ford Motor Company where they were returned before being sold to the public, this one carries all the correct Shelby components, modifications, and special features, and has been given a painstakingly accurate restoration to the absolute highest standards. It appears from its listing in the Shelby Registry that it was owned by the same individual after being decommissioned by Hertz, until 2006. With these cars now changing hands for prices on-par with conventional GT350s due to their history and rarity, it's an ideal investment for the Shelby collector with an open slot in his garage. There are none nicer than this.

It's a sure bet that no Shelby ever looked this spectacular when it rolled out of their Los Angeles production facility, but that's beside the point. The bodywork is shockingly good, and on a black car, that's doubly critical, so great pains were taken to ensure that every panel was blocked until it was nearly flawless. Everything on this car has been accurately reproduced or restored to new condition, and it is ready to compete at the very highest levels.

The 289 under the hood was completely rebuilt to 306 horsepower Shelby specifications and all the correct Shelby components were reinstalled after being restored to new condition. The engine wears correct Ford Blue paint, along with a proper Shelby-spec high-rise intake and Holley 4-barrel carburetor. Tri-Y exhaust headers were state-of-the-art at the time and remain in place as well. Correct Shelby valve covers and a chrome air cleaner are framed by Shelby-installed Monte Carlo bars that strengthened the shock towers and improved steering response. Proper reproduction hoses, clamps, and a new wiring harness were installed at the same time, and there's a new Autolite battery up front. Experts will also note that the original Shelby American fender tag is still in place, and that this car is not a rebody.

Underneath, you'll find the standard Hertz-issue C4 3-speed automatic transmission with suitable upgrades to handle the high-winding 289's horsepower, as well as a Shelby-spec 9-inch rear out back. Restoration photos show the entire body shell painted in correct red oxide primer, and the floors remain in primer as original, with just the right amount of black overspray, just like the factory did it. All the original markings, including those done at the Shelby American facility, have been accurately reproduced, right down to the balancing stripes on the driveshaft. 14-inch Magnum 500 wheels wear Hertz-specification Goodyear Blue Streak tires and unique center caps that are only found on the rent-a-racers.

The interior of this car has been fully restored to stock specifications, and the only notable differences from a stock GT350 are those related to the automatic transmission: a wider brake pedal and, of course, the automatic shifter mounted on the transmission tunnel, sans console. But like the exterior, all the standard Shelby goodies were included, such as the lovely wood-rimmed steering wheel and a comprehensive set of gauges, including a cool dash-mounted tachometer. In this car's case, the entire interior is new, including seat covers and foam, door panels, carpets, and headliner, and all the gauge have been fully rebuilt. The trunk is also finished with a reproduction floor mat and a matching Magnum 500 spare assembly, as new.