Ford Mustang GT350H Shelby with HQ interior 1966

The Ford Mustang GT350H Shelby, often referred to as the "Rent-a-Racer," is a legendary car born out of a unique partnership between Ford, Shelby, and Hertz in the 1960s. Released in 1966 as part of the Hertz Rent-A-Car program, the GT350H is a high-performance version of the Mustang, designed to offer drivers a taste of racing performance straight from the rental lot.

The exterior of the GT350H Shelby is instantly recognizable with its aggressive, muscular stance and signature Shelby styling. Most models feature black paint with iconic gold racing stripes running down the center of the hood, roof, and trunk, a livery unique to the Hertz edition. The classic fastback shape is enhanced by a deeper front grille, functional hood scoop, and side air scoops that add to the car's sporty and aggressive appearance. The lightweight aluminum wheels, styled in classic 1960s fashion, are fitted with high-performance tires that contribute to the car's road-handling abilities.

The interior of the GT350H Shelby maintains the vintage Mustang layout but with added touches of performance-oriented design. The driver’s seat is positioned low and firm, giving a cockpit-like feel, ideal for spirited driving. The dashboard is equipped with basic yet functional gauges, including a tachometer, speedometer, and additional oil and temperature meters to monitor the car’s performance. The steering wheel is thin and wooden, consistent with the style of the era, offering excellent feedback for the driver. Though not overly luxurious, the interior captures the essence of a classic American muscle car with functional simplicity.

Under the hood lies a high-performance 289-cubic-inch V8 engine, capable of producing around 306 horsepower, which was a significant amount for its time. The car’s engine is mated to a 4-speed manual transmission, allowing drivers to feel fully engaged with the car’s raw power. The GT350H is also equipped with heavy-duty suspension, providing improved handling over the standard Mustang, and disc brakes in the front for better stopping power, making it ideal for both road and track driving.

The performance of the GT350H Shelby was its defining feature. With its powerful V8 engine, the car could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 6.6 seconds, which was exceptional for its time. The combination of power, style, and handling made it a favorite among car enthusiasts and racers alike. The GT350H was not just a rental; it was a legitimate race car for the street, often rented by weekend warriors who would take it to the track.

The realistic and high-quality 3D model of the Ford Mustang GT350H Shelby captures all the iconic features of this legendary car. From the black and gold racing stripes and aggressive fastback styling to the powerful V8 engine and race-inspired interior, every detail is meticulously represented. This model is ideal for use in classic car simulations, historical automotive showcases, or as a detailed asset in video games, offering an authentic representation of this classic muscle car.