This barn-find Shelby GT350H Mustang is a long-hidden Rent-A-Racer

Just when it seems like there couldn’t possibly be any more interesting barn finds left to uncover, another gem makes its world debut. Barnfinds.com reader Shawn S. recently assisted in the discovery of this Shelby GT350H hiding away in a senior citizen’s garage. Not only is it rare given that it’s an early Shelby Mustang, but that “H” designation hanging off the end indicates it’s also one of around 1000—depending on who you ask—Rent-A-Racers produced for Hertz in 1966.

Judging by the photos and story on Barnfind.com’s website, it would appear that this particular Shelby was stashed away for quite some time, likely due damage from some sort of front end collision incurred prior to it’s life in the garage. A set of replacement front fenders and faded-red driver’s side door would suggest that someone was making an attempt to get the pony back on the road, but couldn’t quite get it there. They did, however, take the time to tidy up the engine compartment a bit and add a non-factory dual-quad carburetor setup at some point.

The Mustang’s VIN does appear in the “SAAC Shelby Registry 1965-1966-1967,” advising it was a black car (as most Hertz models were) delivered to Larsen Ford of White Plains, New York on April 29th, 1966, leading us to believe that it’s the real deal. Just how much cash could one expect to lay down for this black and gold barn find?

This particular example is very clearly in a project-car state, but could very well hold a #4 “fair condition” value, in part due to the uncommon four-speed manual gearbox. Hagerty valuation expert Greg Ingold explains: “Assuming that it retains the original engine and transmission, I wouldn’t be surprised to see it go for $100,000 to $120,000. I don’t think there is much premium to this car as it’s currently incomplete. It is a valuable car but maybe not the gold mine you’d expect it to be because it’s not a perfect time capsule.”

So while this car might not turn out to be the next big barn-find-auction-result viral headline, it does represent an incredible piece of history that’s been tucked away for over 30 years. Here’s hoping that the rescuers uncover more of its story and get this tired pony back on the road.