1966 Shelby GT350H

This rare example of Shelby’s classic “Rent-a-Racer” benefits from a wealth of period documentation and decades of care by a single custodian following its Hertz use. According to the SAAC Registry, this GT350H retains its original Magnum 500 wheels, Koni shocks, hollow-letter valve covers, and over-ride traction bars – features that date the car as one of the earlier 1966 Shelby examples. These initial cars retained many of the desirable performance aspects of the 1965 model.

Copies of original Shelby paperwork show that SFM6S801 was invoiced to Hertz on February 8, 1966. Following retirement from Hertz’s rental feet, the Shelby was sold to Courtesy Motors for private retail on October 18, 1967, and was purchased soon thereafter by Samuel Haszelbart Jr. of Colorado. The car remained in his family’s possession until 2013, receiving a well-documented, complete restoration in 2009.

Shown at the 2014 Quail Motorsports Gathering, this faithfully restored GT350H has also won a first in class award at the 2014 Los Angeles SAAC meet and the Al Unser Award at the 2014 Santa Fe Concorso. It has also participated in three vintage rallies in recent years – continuing to display the preservative benefits of decades of dutiful care by one owner – and remains an excellent candidate for participation at major events.