BEAUTIFULLY RESTORED TO FACTORY SPECS, RARE HERTZ IN HIGHLAND GREEN, MARTI REPT

Description

Many enthusiasts don't know it, but the Shelby and Hertz Rent-A-Car relationship continued after the first batch of rent-a-racers hit the streets. In 1968, Ford/Shelby built 224 automatic-equipped GT350s like this one for the fine folks at Hertz. The result is one of the rarest of all Shelbys, and this one in particular is beautifully restored in iconic Highland Green.The Hertz cars only came one way: loaded, so not only is this Shelby gorgeous, it's also a joy to drive. Fans of the Mustang fastback shape seem to realize that it always looks best in Highland Green, which is this Shelby's original color. Of course, the full complement of Shelby body mods was part of the package, including the front fascia, hood, deck lid, and taillights, which do indeed flash sequentially. The fiberglass pieces were made by Ford, so they were far better than the primitive pieces laid up by Shelby American in that old airport hangar, but even the big guys had a hard time with it, as the trunk doesn't quite fit flush. That's a common issue and it's a pretty small nit to pick, but on a car this nice, nits are all you're going to find. The paint has a beautiful shine that comes from modern urethane paints and all the correct Shelby emblems and decals were installed after the paint was dry. Marchal fog lamps, hood pins, and a Shelby gas cap all contribute to the look.The interior is as comfortable as it is sporting, and thanks to Hertz loading their cars up with options, this is probably the most heavily-optioned Shelby you'll ever see. Black bucket seats are comfortable and beautifully restored, there's a handsome woodgrained "tilt top" steering wheel that matches the dash and center console, and yes, that's an automatic transmission shifter; this was a rental after all. In fact, the long list of options includes the aforementioned automatic transmission, factory A/C, tinted glass, shoulder harnesses, a fold-down rear seat, and an AM radio, and it's all still in place. The gauges are beautifully restored with bright faces, including the factory tach with 6000 RPM redline and two auxiliary Stewart Warner dials down on the console. There's a little wear on the steering wheel, but otherwise this interior is in first-rate shape with a lot of new and NOS components used in the restoration. The trunk is also properly finished with a plaid mat and full-sized spare.The J-code 302 cubic inch V8 was new to the roster in 1968 and makes the Hertz GT350 a great cruiser. With a 4-barrel carburetor and a sporty Cobra dress-up kit, it certainly looks the part of a Shelby powerplant, and thanks to the 302's bulletproof reliability, it was probably an excellent choice for the rent-a-Shelby, too. The engine bay is very neatly detailed with correct hardware used throughout; only the modern battery stands out, but that's easy to remedy. The automatic transmission may seem like an anomaly in a Shelby, but when you drive it, you'll realize that they went the extra mile to make this car feel polished and sophisticated. Power steering and disc brakes make it easy to handle and the chassis is in excellent condition, showing proper restoration techniques like red oxide primer on the floor and rear end. A great-sounding dual exhaust system never gets annoying and those gorgeous Shelby 10-spoke alloy wheels are fitted with recently 235/60/15 BFGoodrich T/A radials.Nicely documented with an owner's manual and Marti Report, this is a very rare opportunity to own a Shelby that will always get people talking. The fact that it's also great to drive is just a bonus. Call today!