UK vs USA — 1972 vs 1966
| Europa Special Twin Cam | GT350H Hertz Rent-A-Racer | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 126 hp | 306 hp |
| Torque | — | 329 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,558 cc | 4,736 cc |
| 0-60 mph | — | 6.6 sec |
| Top Speed | — | 127 mph |
| ¼ Mile | — | 14.7 sec |
| Weight | — | 2,800 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,337 mm | 2,743 mm |
| Length | 3,990 mm | 4,613 mm |
| Units Produced | — | 1,001 |
| Original MSRP | — | $4,547 |
| Value (Excellent) | $75,000 | $450,000 |
| Collectibility | 5/10 | 9/10 |
| Rarity | 10/10 | 8/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1972 Lotus Europa Special Twin Cam brings better value to the table, and the 1966 Shelby GT350H Hertz Rent-A-Racer answers with more power, stronger collectibility. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
The rivalry between UK and USA automotive industries has produced legendary matchups, and the 1972 Lotus Europa Special Twin Cam versus 1966 Shelby GT350H Hertz Rent-A-Racer is among the most fascinating. These two cars represent the best of their national engineering schools. The 1966 Shelby GT350H Hertz Rent-A-Racer holds a clear advantage in raw power with 306 hp compared to 126 hp, a 180-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Lotus Europa uses a Inline-4 displacing 1,558 cc, while the Shelby GT350H relies on a V8 OHV 16V with 4,736 cc. On the collector market, the 1966 Shelby GT350H Hertz Rent-A-Racer commands a significant premium over the 1972 Lotus Europa Special Twin Cam, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1966 Shelby GT350H Hertz Rent-A-Racer rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.