- A complete tear-down
- Brought back to stock condition
- Built as a tribute
In running condition and decent shape
Originally a Raven Black factory 289-cid V8 car with a 4-speed manual transmission, this 1966 Mustang Fastback 2+2 has undergone an extensive 5-year restoration and while it was brought back to stock condition for the most part, along the way it also received some Shelby Mustang upgrades. The car was discovered in a warehouse where it had been sitting since the early 1990s, and while it was in running condition and in decent shape, the decision was made to do a complete tear-down and give the classic pony car a proper new lease on life!
Once the car had its engine and driveline, front and rear suspension removed, it was then completely disassembled, including removing the hood, front fenders, doors, deck lid, fuel tank, and all glass. After the interior was removed, the next step was to sandblast the bodyshell and that meant a great deal of time and detail work was given to the overall sheet metal.
Fastback Mustangs featured a large rear glass that measures ten square feet in. One of the Shelby-inspired enhancements was the fitting of 1966 Shelby GT350 quarter windows. Plexiglass windows replaced the C-pillar vents on standard Mustangs, as a means of providing race drivers a better view of upcoming race cars on the track.
All new glass was installed, along with new window regulators, new weather stripping, seals, and correct OE bolts and fasteners were used throughout the project, and included was the fitting of new door handles and lock assemblies.
Given some enhancements
The engine was rebuilt with a new hydraulic camshaft and lifters fitted, a new timing set, and all new attaching components. 4-bbl intake and carburetor, tubular headers, new starter, alternator, fuel and water pump. All with new motor mounts attaching it in. The 4-speed transmission was inspected and freshened up, and when installed a new clutch and pressure plate assembly.
GT350 side scoops were added, originally used on production Shelby cars and not as a styling gimmick, but rather as a functional feature ducted to cool the rear brakes.
The interior received a great deal of attention, new "Pony" bucket seat upholstery, new headliner, carpets, Ford-spec dash pad, wood steering wheel upgrade, brand-new shifter, 3-inch race belts, nearly everything in the interior, save for the seat frames and dash panel, was replaced.
Rent a high-performance car
Given some enhancements in the spirit of the famous Shelby Hertz ”Rent-A-Racer" cars, such as the addition of the Shelby Mustang front apron, gold-hued side stripes, plexiglass rear side windows, quarter-panel side scoops, and GT350 marking.
In 1966 the idea of being able to rent a high-performance car to go out and have fun with, all with the blessings of a rental car company, seemed almost too good to be true. Here's how Hertz presented their GT350H cars to potential rental customers: "Cobra engine, Disc brakes, High-speed wheels, and tires. Stick shift or automatic. Rally stripes and high-performance shocks with a torque-controlled rear axle. Why a rent-a-car with all this performance? "We could have gotten a fleet of high-performance pseudo-sports cars. But we figured you'd want to try a champion." The wheels shown are the Cragar brand chromed steel wheels with aluminum centers.
