Michael Satterfield
The 1966 Shelby G.T. 350 Hertz edition is one of those automotive legends, the “Rent-A-Racer” program was short lived as many people took Hertz up on that offer and would take the freshly rented cars to local track days. This G.T. 350 H is the real deal and a real race car, it’s being auctioned off at RM Auctions next month in Farmer’s Branch, TX as part of the famous Sam Pack Collection. Over 130 cars are to be auctioned off November 14th-15th in one of the largest “single vendor” collector car auctions ever. The auction includes everything from a 1920’s Model T to a Laguna Seca Parnelli Jones Edition Boss 302. It’s not all Fords, the lots include Austin Healey, Porsche, VW, and even a race only vehicles. Check out all the lots HERE at the RM Auctions page.
572 bhp, 295 cu. in. OHV modified Ford V-8 engine, race-prepared four-speed Jerico transmission with a Hurst shifter and linkage, front and rear Cobra Automotive competition suspension, and four-wheel disc brakes. Wheelbase: 108 in.
- Restored to vintage racing specifications by Scott Hackenson, of Cobra Automotive
This Mustang, chassis 6S564, began its life as a standard GT350 H rental car that was used for Hertz’s memorable “rent-a-racer” program. Then, in December 1965, it was shipped to Milo Brooke Inc., of Chicago, Illinois, for dealer preparation before its final delivery to Hertz’s headquarters. Following the car’s retirement from active rental duty, it was purchased in late 1966 or early 1967 by a Roger Meinke, of Adrian, Michigan, before it was transformed to its current state.
In 2003, chassis 6S564 was then acquired by Cobra expert Scott Hackenson, of Cobra Automotive in Wallingford, Connecticut. Over the course of two years, it was fully transformed into a well-prepared and highly competitive vintage racer to compete in SCRA, HSR, SCCA, and SAAC events.
The most noticeable change to the car, which was built around a new all-steel body and prepared by Cobra Automotive, is the installation of a 295 cubic-inch Ford V-8, which has a 12.7:1 compression, a BLP 750 CFM Winston Cup race carburetor, and an Edelbrock Victor custom-ported intake manifold that is mated to a four-speed, fully race-prepped Jericho transmission with a billet Super Hurst shifter. The car also sits on a complete Cobra Automotive front and rear competition suspension with four-wheel disc brakes. Of course, the interior is just as purpose-built as the underpinnings, and it features a single Kirkey aluminum racing seat with a five-point harness, modern gauges, and Plexiglas front and rear windows.
This GT350 H’s successful competition career began in 2005, when it was campaigned at famous tracks all over the East Coast, including at Road America, Sebring, and Watkins Glen. The car’s numerous podium finishes and competition success lead to additional press, and accordingly, it was featured on the popular television program American Muscle Car, as well as in several magazines, including the July 2007 issue of Victory Lane. This Shelby Mustang also saw action on the West Coast in the hands of a subsequent owner, who continued to campaign the car in SCCA races at Sears Point, Laguna Seca, and Thunderhill. Even though it has not been campaigned in Sam Pack’s ownership, it comes complete with a set of spares, including wheels and tires, and an additional exhaust system, and it is ready to be prepped for the track.
Motor Trend magazine tested the standard GT350 H when new and boasted, “We recommend it as a sure cure for all strains of boredom.” Considering this Shelby Mustang rent-a-racer’s race modifications, it is bound to cure whatever ails you.
