1966 Shelby Ford Shelby Facts, Information & History

« Ford « Shelby

The 1966 Shelby models, including the Shelby GT350 and Shelby GT350H ("H" for Hertz), were continuation models of the previous year's successful collaboration between Ford and Carroll Shelby's Shelby American. The 1966 Shelby GT350 retained the high-performance characteristics of its predecessor, featuring a modified V8 engine, sportier suspension, and distinctive styling cues. The GT350H was a unique offering available for rental through Hertz, aimed at providing customers with a taste of high-performance driving. Both models continued to solidify the Shelby Mustang's reputation as a potent and sought-after American muscle car.

In 1966, Shelby American produced a total of 2,378 Shelby Mustangs across various models and configurations. This production included both Shelby GT350 and Shelby GT350H (Hertz) models. The breakdown of the production numbers for 1966 Ford Shelby models is as follows:

Shelby GT350 Fastback: 1,373 units,
Shelby GT350 Convertible: 6 units
Shelby GT350H (Hertz) Fastback: 999 units

These numbers contribute to the relative rarity and collectibility of the 1966 Ford Shelby models, especially considering that each of these cars was a specialized high-performance variant of the Ford Mustang. Keep in mind that these production numbers are based on historical records and can provide a general idea of the rarity of these vehicles.

Racing:

The 1966 Ford Shelby Mustangs, including the GT350 and GT350H (Hertz) models, continued to have a presence in motorsports, particularly in road racing and various competition events. Here are some notable aspects of the 1966 Ford Shelby Mustangs in racing:

Continued SCCA Involvement: The Shelby GT350 continued its participation in the SCCA Trans-Am racing series. The GT350 was modified for racing with improved suspension, brakes, and aerodynamics to enhance its competitiveness on the track.

Road Racing Success: The GT350 achieved significant success in road racing during the 1966 season. Drivers like Jerry Titus and Ken Miles secured victories and podium finishes in various events, helping to solidify the GT350's reputation as a capable and competitive race car.

Hertz Rent-a-Racer: The GT350H, also known as the "Rent-a-Racer," was a unique model available for rental through Hertz. While not explicitly built for professional racing, some enthusiasts modified these cars for track use, further highlighting their performance potential.

Endurance Racing: The Shelby GT350 also participated in endurance racing events, showcasing its durability and performance over long distances.

Drivers and Teams: Well-known drivers like Ken Miles, Bob Bondurant, and others continued to be associated with Shelby racing efforts in 1966.

The 1966 Ford Shelby Mustangs continued the legacy of their racing involvement, showcasing their performance capabilities on both the track and the road. Their racing success and presence in various competitions contributed to their iconic status and continued to build the reputation of the Shelby Mustang brand.

Movies:

The 1966 Ford Shelby Mustangs, especially the GT350 models, have made appearances in various movies and television shows due to their iconic design and status as high-performance muscle cars. Here are a few examples of their appearances in movies:

Gone in 60 Seconds (1974 and 2000): Both the original 1974 film and its 2000 remake feature a 1966 Ford Shelby GT350 as part of the collection of cars being stolen.

Bullitt (1968): While the main car chase scene in "Bullitt" primarily involves a 1968 Ford Mustang GT, a 1966 Ford Shelby GT350 briefly appears in the background during one of the scenes.

Death Race 2050 (2017): This science fiction action film features a futuristic version of a 1966 Ford Shelby GT350 as one of the vehicles in a deadly cross-country race.

John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017): A 1966 Ford Shelby GT350 makes a cameo appearance in the parking lot of a museum in this action thriller.

Knight Rider (1982-1986): The television series "Knight Rider" featured KITT, a talking, crime-fighting car. The 1982 pilot episode showcased a 1966 Ford Shelby GT350 as KITT before transitioning to a more futuristic Trans Am.

Gumball Rally (1976): A 1966 Ford Shelby GT350 is among the collection of high-performance cars that participate in the cross-country illegal road race.

These examples highlight how the 1966 Ford Shelby Mustangs have left their mark in the world of entertainment, reflecting their timeless design and association with performance and excitement.