The one-owner rent-a-racer has been parked since 1984 and presents virtually as-new
Crossing the block at Mecum’s Harrisburg auction, on August 3, is an astounding 1968 Shelby GT350H fastback. No pre-auction estimate has been set, but we’re betting it’ll be a very pretty penny.
A rare, sought-after and valuable car on its own, this ’68 rent-a-racer is even more special given its outstanding surviving condition.
It’s an unrestored one-owner car with just 22,867 miles on it since new! And it hasn’t turned a wheel since the original owner parked it in his garage back in 1984 – until it was discovered this year.
Both licence plates, complete with 1984 registration tags, are still on the vehicle, as is its original paint, factory chalk marks and complete original drivetrain which comprises of the 302 V8 and C4 automatic transmission.
Even the original sticker bearing tie down instructions remains glued to the body underneath the rear licence plate.
It’s an absolute time warp car, and while it’s never been restored in its life – you certainly would think it was.
It’s likely the closest you’ll get to an as-new original GT350, with a faultless interior and exterior.
The Hertz Shelby rent-a-racer program was famously launched in 1966 with 999 cars ordered and delivered to Hertz facilities across the United States. The program took a hiatus in 1967, and returned in 1968 with Hertz’ order throttled back to just 223 (according to Marti, 224 according to the Shelby registry) cars. Their marketing campaign was similarly scaled back, and 20 cities across the country were cut from the program.
Hagerty’s valuations pegs a condition #1 (concours) 1968 Shelby GT350H at USD$110,000 (AU$158,000), though given the car’s unrepeatable backstory and condition – we wouldn’t be at all surprised if it goes for more, come August 3 at Mecum.
Classic Australian Family Car Value Guide home page
Muscle Car Value Guide home page
Japanese Classic Car Value Guide home page