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Shelby/Hertz Collection To Be Sold By RM Auctions

Sam Peck is a Texas businessman who has a hankering for cars. In his case, he has over 130. Must be nice, right? But all good things must come to an end, which is why RM Auctions is handling the sale of some primo vehicles on November 14-15 in Texas. Of special note is his collection of Shelby Mustangs that were part of the Hertz Rent-A-Racer program.

The most famous of these is from 1966. Over a thousand GT-350s were rebranded “GT-350H” and available in numerous Hertz Rent-A-Cars stores around the country. All had gold striping, with most being black/gold with an automatic-backed Hi-Po 289. After the model year, all cars were refurbished and sold in the open market. This was the first time Shelby received this kind of visibility because in 1965, the first year of the GT-350, only 562 were built, compared with 2,378 for 1966. To Shelby’s credit, the 1966 GT-350 was watered down compared to the 1965 version, making it a bit more palatable for the fair-weather enthusiast.

Shelby and Hertz continued the association through 1969, but they were more like “I can rent a Shelby!” than “I’m going to take this Shelby rental out racing!” Those cars were not badged as GT-350Hs like this ’66 but the invoice shows the Hertz association. Sam Peck also has 1968 and 1969 Hertz cars plus the 2006 GT-H revival, but it’s his 1966 that is the most interesting. After it was resold in 1966, the Shelby was bought by a Michigander named Roger Meinke. In 2003, this GT-350 was purchased by Scott Hackenson of Connecticut-based Cobra Automotive, who then transformed it into a vintage racer. A new all-steel body was prepared, and a 295ci Ford small-block replaced the 289. Inside you’ll find a single Kirkey aluminum racing seat with a five-point harness, modern gauges, and Plexiglas front and rear windows. Since 2005, this Shelby’s been successful in SCRA, HSR, SCCA, and SAAC events.

RM Auctions estimates bidding to reach $100,000-150,000.

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