Dealer Rejected $45K Offer for This Hertz Mustang Shelby Rent-A-Racer | Carscoops

      Will this special edition appreciate in value in the future, or will it be considered equivalent to a regular Mustang GT?

      7 hours ago

      by Brad Anderson

      A rare Shelby GT-H Mustang with 15,300 miles did not meet its auction reserve.

      Only 171 units of this Shelby Mustang were produced for Hertz’s rental fleet.

      It features Ford’s 5.0-liter V8 engine generating 435 hp, paired with a manual transmission.

      Certain special-edition Fords made for Hertz have surprisingly become popular collectibles among enthusiasts who appreciate rare rental history. Among the newer models, the 2016 Mustang Shelby GT-H stands out as particularly desirable. However, not every unit is commanding high prices. Recently, one of these vehicles failed to sell at auction as bids fell short of the reserve price.

      Ford, Shelby, and Hertz collaborated to produce 171 units of this S550-based Mustang GT, a limited series created to offer renters a taste of V8-powered American muscle with a touch of gold. Market values can vary widely based on mileage and condition. For instance, a unit sold for $58,300 at a Barrett-Jackson auction in January with 23,000 miles.

      A different 2016 Shelby GT-H, with just 15,300 miles, recently appeared on Cars & Bids. Despite its low mileage and good condition, it didn’t meet the reserve. Bidding reached $45,250. While the seller didn't reveal the reserve amount, it was mentioned that it was nearly $20,000 below their target.

      The listing highlighted some recent maintenance, including an oil and filter change before the sale and a new carbon fiber front splitter installed in May 2022. The exact number of miles this Shelby accumulated while in Hertz's fleet is unclear, but the seller is listed as its first private owner post-rental.

      To enhance the Mustang GT for Hertz, Shelby added a new exhaust, a specific handling package, a body kit, gold stripes, 19-inch aluminum wheels, embroidered headrests, and a numbered plaque on the dashboard. No modifications were made to the 5.0-liter Coyote V8, which continues to produce 435 hp and 400 lb-ft (542 Nm) of torque, paired with a six-speed transmission sending power to the rear wheels.

      For collectors interested in limited-edition modern muscle cars with a rental-car backstory, the GT-H retains considerable charm. However, as this auction illustrates, valuations can be as unpredictable as the vehicle's rental past.

      Cars & Bids