Shelby GT500

vs

Ford Shelby GT350H

USA vs USA — 1967 vs 1966

Shelby GT500 (1967)
Ford Shelby GT350H (1966)
Specifications
GT500 428 Cobra JetShelby GT350H Hertz Rent-A-Racer
Horsepower335 hp306 hp
Torque440 lb-ft329 lb-ft
Engine Size7,014 cc4,736 cc
0-60 mph5.5 sec6.6 sec
Top Speed135 mph130 mph
¼ Mile13.5 sec14.9 sec
Weight3,400 lbs2,850 lbs
Wheelbase2,743 mm2,743 mm
Length4,673 mm4,613 mm
Units Produced2,0481,001
Original MSRP$4,317$4,547
Value (Excellent)$300,000$450,000
Collectibility10/1010/10
Rarity7/109/10
The Verdict

It's a closely fought contest. The 1967 Shelby GT500 428 Cobra Jet brings quicker acceleration, higher top speed, better value to the table, and the 1966 Ford Shelby GT350H Hertz Rent-A-Racer answers with lighter weight, greater rarity. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.

Overview

In the world of Muscle Car cars, few comparisons generate as much discussion as the 1967 Shelby GT500 428 Cobra Jet versus the 1966 Ford Shelby GT350H Hertz Rent-A-Racer. Both hail from Muscle era and represent the pinnacle of their respective manufacturers' ambitions. The 1967 Shelby GT500 428 Cobra Jet holds a clear advantage in raw power with 335 hp compared to 306 hp, a 29-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Shelby GT500 uses a V8 OHV (Ford 428 Cobra Jet) displacing 7,014 cc, while the Ford Shelby GT350H relies on a V8 OHV with 4,736 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1967 Shelby GT500 428 Cobra Jet edges ahead at 5.5 seconds versus 6.6 seconds. The Ford Shelby GT350H carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 550 lbs lighter. Each of these machines offers a unique window into the era that produced it, making both worthy of consideration by collectors and drivers alike.