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Special Editions and Hertz Rentals
Part of Ford’s strategy to keep Mustang fresh involves special editions rather than a specific facelift or minor change. Implementing the strategy included Ford’s introduction at the 2006 New York auto show of a Mustang being built specifically for the Hertz rental fleet, with the help of Carroll Shelby. About 500 examples of the Shelby Mustang GT-H will be built and put in service through Hertz‘s Fun Collection in rental fleets across the nation. Just to make sure they are easily to spot, they are painted black with gold stripes, the colors of Hertz. This is a partner project between Ford, Shelby Automobiles, and the Hertz Corporation. Ford supplies the V8 Mustang to Shelby Automobiles, where the Shelby and Ford Racing Performance Parts are installed, and then Hertz rents the cars. AutoPacific and VehicleVoice contributors were in New York for the show, and here are some pictures and information we found.

GT-H Boosts V8 Horsepower to 325HP
The GT-H uses the 4.6L V8, not the 5.0L in the Shelby GT500, and an automatic transmission, but adds Ford Racing Performance Parts to boost power to 325HP. Ford Racing Performance Group adds its Power Pack, which includes a 90mm cold-air kit, a muffler kit, a new X-pipe like that on the GT500, performance calibration, and a cat-back performance exhaust. Supporting the 25HP increase is the Ford Racing Handling Pack, with specially tuned dampers, lowering springs, sway bars, a strut tower brace, and a Ford Racing 3.55:1 ratio rear axle assembly to assist even occasional Mustang drivers get some extra off-the-line acceleration.

The Hertz pony car gets a black exterior with gold stripes, recalling the first special-edition Mustang rental car, the 1966 Shelby GT350H Mustang. With the update, arriving in spring 2006, the GT-H gets traditional Shelby Le Mans dual overbody racing stripes and rocker stripes with the Shelby GT-H name. A Hertz Edition emblem goes on the front fenders, Hertz Shelby GT-H sill plates, and a number dash badge with Carroll Shelby’s signature is on the dash. Other visual cues include a custom Shelby Performance hood with pins, a brushed aluminum grille, body side scoops, and painted brake calipers.

Inspired by Rent-A-Racer Program from Early Pony-Car Days
The 21st Century Shelby GT-H has its roots in a program from the 1960s that resulted in the 1966 Shelby GT350H Mustang. Then, as now, Ford supplied V8 Mustangs, Shelby added performance and styling tweaks, and Hertz put the cars into the hands of weekend racers or just enthusiasts on vacation. The 1966 program also resulted in a limited number of examples built, and these are coveted by collectors today.


California Special and Stampede Edition
About the time of the Hertz edition launch, Ford announced the new California Special package, available nationwide, and a Stampede Edition for buyers in Oklahoma and Texas.
The California Special adds a different front fascia with integrated chin spoiler, bodyside racing stripes, and a unique rear spoiler. It is a stand-alone package available on any 2007 Mustang. If Ford doesn’t have a side stripe delete available, it should. Or the wise buyer will get out his trusty hair dryer and carefully peel the offending stripes off the car.
The Stampede Edition gets nine-inch racing stripes, seventeen-inch painted aluminum wheels with chrome Pony spinner caps, a Pony grille with fog lamps, chrome exhaust tip, and rear spoiler. Only 500 of the Stampede Edition cars will be built.