2006 Ford Shelby GT-H
Forty years ago, Carroll Shelby and Hertz teamed up to create a high-performance Mustang for rental customers. Dubbed "Rent-A-Racer" the 1966 GT350 Hertz quickly became part of Mustang lore. To mark the 40th anniversary of that special car, Ford introduced the limited-edition Shelby GT-H at the 2006 New York Auto Show.
Mustang was last redesigned in 2005 when Ford returned to the pony car's roots with fastback styling and a shark-nosed grille. Like the regular Mustang, the Shelby GT-H is a sporty/performance coupe that competes against the Mazda MX-5, Nissan 350Z, and Pontiac GTO.
Paying homage to the original, the 2006 Ford Shelby GT-H is painted black and sports gold racing stripes. Other exterior enhancements include a Shelby Automobiles Performance hood with quick-release pins, special front fascia, and side scoops. Each GT-H will wear unique emblems and features a numbered dash plaque bearing Carroll Shelby's signature.
Powering the Shelby GT-H is a 4.6-liter V8 that mates to a 5-speed automatic transmission. Unlike the stock 4.6, the GT-H engine gets a bunch of go-fast performance goodies from the Ford parts bins to help pump horsepower from 300 to 325. Upgrades include a 90mm cold-air kit and a free-flow muffler. Getting the power to the ground is a Ford Racing 3.55:1 rear axle.
Special attention was also paid to the GT-H's handling prowess, where a Ford Performance Parts Handling Package was added. This kit includes special dampers, lowering springs, sway bars, and a strut tower brace.
Production will be limited to about 500 and all will be assembled at Carroll Shelby's shop in Texas. But don't rush out to buy this special-edition Mustang. It will be allotted to Hertz locations across the nation and available for rental at select major airport locations later this year. Be sure to call ahead, this hot Mustang isn't likely to spend much time sitting on the lot.
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 2006 New York Auto Show |
