1966 FORD MUSTANG

Service History

In the 60’s Ford replaced Chevrolet as the supplier to car rental giant Hertz. Carroll Shelby capitalized on the new relationship; Shelby American sent general manager Peyton Cramer to pitch the new GT350 as a replacement for the Corvette in Hertz’s Sports Car Club. Cramer pitched a fleet of Hertz Shelby’s finished in Raven Black with Gold striping, reflecting the company’s corporate colour scheme. Hertz management where on board with this proposal, and in late 1965, Shelby American received a demand letter from Hertz for 999 GT350s. The new Hertz Shelby’s was then born.

This Hertz was originally shipped to Performance Motors (El Segundo, CA) 29/3/66, then shipped to West Ford Sales, Inc, (Newton, MA) 31/3/66, Arriving 20/4/66 for dealer prep prior to delivery to Hertz (Boston, MA).This Hertz was imported to the UK in April 2004 and has had 2 owners in the UK.

Key Details:

• Listed in (SAAC) Shelby American Registry

• Confirmed via email as correct matching Ford/Shelby VIN numbers with SAAC Registry

• VIN # SFM6S1557 Hertz Rent-A-Racer

• Hertz ordered 999 Shelby GT350 fastbacks in 1966

• Raven Black w/Gold Stripes - Exterior

• Black interior

• Original matching numbers engine

Interior:

• Black interior

• Dash-mounted tachometer

• Wood-rimmed steering wheel

• Fold-down rear seats

• Correct lap belts

• Radio delete panel

• Spare tire in trunk

Exterior:

• Raven Black

• Gold stripes exterior

• Chrome bumpers

• Chrome Magnum 500 wheels

• Firestone Wide Oval period radial tires

Drivetrain:

• 289 Hi-Po V8 engine - matching numbers

• 3-speed automatic transmission

• Rear-wheel drive

This car recently came out of long-term storage and had the following work carried out in December 2025:

• Serviced automatic transmission gaskets/seals, fluid and filter, and pan

• Changed engine oil and filter

• Flushed coolant system; new Evans fluid

• Replaced brake master cylinder

• Replaced rear wheel cylinders

• Replaced front brake calipers

• Flushed brake fluid

• Replaced front brake pads

• Cleaned and repacked front wheel bearings

• Flushed fuel tank and fuel lines

• Replaced both engine-to-Tri-Y headers and gaskets

• Replaced exhaust system including H-pipe and hanger kit

• Replaced spark plugs and ignition wires

• Replaced fuel filter

• Distributor rebuild

• New 600 CFM carburettor (original comes with car)

• 80% new paint