A classic muscle car that once defined performance driving in the late 1960s has reappeared after more than three decades in hiding. This is the story of a forgotten 1968 Shelby GT350H—part of the legendary Hertz “Rent-A-Racer” program—that sat quietly in a Minnesota garage since 1992, untouched and full of history. Now rediscovered, it has become the centerpiece of a Fourth of July special by car collector and YouTuber Dennis Collins.

Let’s dive into the fascinating tale of this rare Shelby, why it matters in the world of American muscle cars, and what makes it so special, even with some rust and mechanical hiccups.

The Birth of the Shelby Mustang: From Ford’s Request to a Racing Legend

Back in 1964, Ford had just launched its now-iconic Mustang. But to give it real racing pedigree, they turned to Carroll Shelby—a race car builder and former Le Mans champion. His mission: transform the Mustang from a stylish coupe into a fire-breathing performance machine.

By 1965, the result was the Shelby GT350. While it looked similar to a standard Mustang, it was a completely different animal under the skin. It had racing-tuned suspension, a powerful V8, and a no-nonsense attitude. But there was one problem: it was expensive. With a sticker price over $4,000, it cost more than most buyers were willing to spend.

That’s where Hertz came in.

Hertz Rent-A-Racer Program: A Genius Idea That Made History

In 1966, Shelby struck a deal with Hertz, launching what would become one of the most famous car rental programs in history. Hertz ordered 1,000 GT350s and made them available to members of its Sports Car Club. For just $17 a day and 17 cents per mile, anyone could rent a real Shelby Mustang—essentially a race car for the street.

The cars, mostly painted in black with gold racing stripes, were rented, raced, and sometimes returned in rough shape. Yet the idea was such a hit that it helped make Shelby Mustangs a household name.

The 1968 Comeback: Shelby GT350H Returns, But With Changes

After skipping 1967, Hertz brought the program back in 1968. But by this time, the Shelby Mustang had changed—both in design and in performance. The ’68 GT350 came with a smaller 302-cubic-inch V8 engine producing 250 horsepower, compared to earlier models with 306 hp. And unlike the early ‘66 cars, none of the 1968 Hertz Shelbys had manual transmissions—all were automatics.

Despite the performance drop, 1968 was still the best sales year for Shelby Mustangs. A total of 4,451 were sold, including 1,253 GT350 fastbacks and 404 convertibles. Out of those, only 224 were built for Hertz. One of them was painted Candyapple Red—a rare color for the Hertz fleet—and shipped to the Minneapolis, Minnesota rental office.

That very car is the one that’s now back in the spotlight.

From Rental Lot to Forgotten Treasure: The Journey of This GT350H

After serving its time as a rental, the red Shelby was sold to a private owner in the early 1970s. It changed hands in 1976 when it was purchased by a man who truly appreciated its history. He wasn’t just another driver—he was a gearhead who treated the car with care and invested in its upkeep.

In 1977, he spent $535 on a premium paint job—a massive sum at the time, considering most resprays cost less than $100. He even provided the paint and materials himself, focusing the cost entirely on expert labor. However, he only requested partial undercoating, a decision that eventually allowed small rust spots to develop over time.

Still, the car remained in exceptional condition for decades.

Parked Since 1992: Why the Shelby Went Into Storage

In 1992, after clocking about 82,000 miles, the car suffered a seized water pump and a broken left rear leaf spring. Rather than fix it right away, the owner parked the Shelby in his garage, intending to repair it later. That day never came.

For the next 33 years, the GT350H sat in quiet isolation, hidden from the world. Despite the long slumber, the car was kept indoors and out of the elements, preserving much of its original character and condition.

When the longtime owner passed away in 2024, his family decided to find the car a new home. Instead of turning to online auctions, they reached out to someone who could truly appreciate its story.

Rescued by Dennis Collins: The Car Comes Back to Life

Enter Dennis Collins—a well-known automotive collector and YouTuber, famous for rescuing rare and classic cars. Once he heard about the Shelby, he jumped at the opportunity and bought the car in a private deal.

Collins filmed a special Independence Day episode on YouTube, documenting the car’s journey from dusty garage to roaring engine. Although the video was released just now, the car has already found a new owner before it even aired—such is the demand for vehicles of this caliber.

Collins’ team made a few essential repairs to get the car roadworthy again, including:

• Replacing the broken leaf springs
• Installing a new gas tank and fuel lines
• Refurbishing the carburetor and air cleaner
• Swapping the older wheels with period-correct ones

The car’s aftermarket Offenhauser 360° intake manifold was left in place, keeping a piece of its customized past alive.

A Red-On-Black Rarity: The Shelby That Defies Expectations

This particular 1968 Shelby GT350H is one of just 224 built for the Hertz rental program, and one of only a handful painted Candyapple Red. With its red exterior and black interior, it breaks away from the traditional black-and-gold image most people associate with Hertz Shelbys.

It’s also a fastback—a body style that continues to be one of the most sought-after in the collector car world. And while many Shelby Mustangs from the late ’60s leaned more toward comfort and style than raw performance, the GT350H still carries the spirit of Carroll Shelby’s vision: a Mustang that offers something more.

Why This Story Matters to Car Lovers Everywhere

Cars like the 1968 Shelby GT350H are more than machines—they’re time capsules. They remind us of a golden era in American automotive history, when bold ideas like the Hertz Rent-a-Racer program were actually possible.

This car’s journey—from rental fleet workhorse to prized garage queen, and now to its reawakening—captures everything that makes classic car collecting so magical. It’s not just about horsepower or style; it’s about stories, people, and the roads not yet driven.

So while this particular Shelby has already found a new home, its story continues to inspire. And for those who missed out, watching it fire up after 33 years might be the next best thing.

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