For Hertz car renters with a penchant for performance back in 1966, the availability of a Shelby Mustang for hire had to have been thrilling. This was not a simple dress-up package, but an actual Shelby American–constructed fastback ponycar that was ready for action, complete with a hot Shelby-tuned 289 CI V-8 engine. A handful ended up in weekend racing competition, but it is unlikely that any are set-up to endurance competition specs like SFM6S828 has been.
This documented Shelby Hertz vehicle began life invoiced to the Hertz Corporation in February 1966; that rental program only lasted one year, and the cars became premium pre-owned vehicles. Thoroughly refreshed in 1990, this example is set-up as an authentic racecar. All the body welds were reinforced during this reconstruction, which also included a full roll cage, instrumentation, racing seats with full harnesses, fuel cell, fire extinguishing system, LeMans endurance lights, and more. Riding on 15×7-inch American Racing wheels (with a second set included in this sale), additional handling changes include dual brake boosters with proportioning valve, front ventilated Kelsey-Hayes front discs, special rear drum linings and drums, the recirculating brake fluid system and race-type brake fluid. Adjustable Koni shocks, a 3.89:1 Detroit locker differential with forged half-shafts, watts bar link rear suspension, and competition front suspension with lowered A-arms and quick-ratio steering round it out. Body adaptions include the front apron, fiberglass hood, lightweight doors and windows, and R-model rear window and fender treatments.
Underneath the hood is a 289/415 HP engine with steel crank, Crower rods, forged pistons, 750 CFM Holley, and Aviat oil pump; visible on the engine are the R-style oil cooler with secondary cooler, high-volume radiator, valve covers, and Mallory dual-point with rev-limiter. A Tilton racing clutch is between it and the T10 close-ratio 4-speed. Documentation for this road-race-ready Shelby includes FIA certifications, 1997 Shelby American World Registry entry, and copy of the invoice to Hertz from dealer Larson Ford. Participating in events since 1990 in both the U.S. and Europe, the car is race ready, comes with numerous spares, and is ready for your participation at endurance events in places like Road America or the Monterey Historics.
Source: www.mecum.com