Italy vs USA — 1966 vs 1966
| Spider 1750 Veloce (Duetto) | GT350H Hertz Rent-A-Racer | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 118 hp | 306 hp |
| Torque | 116 lb-ft | 329 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,779 cc | 4,736 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 9.5 sec | 6.6 sec |
| Top Speed | 118 mph | 127 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 17.0 sec | 14.7 sec |
| Weight | — | 2,800 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,250 mm | 2,743 mm |
| Length | 4,120 mm | 4,613 mm |
| Units Produced | 8,620 | 1,001 |
| Original MSRP | — | $4,547 |
| Value (Excellent) | $70,000 | $450,000 |
| Collectibility | 5/10 | 9/10 |
| Rarity | 3/10 | 8/10 |
The 1966 Shelby GT350H Hertz Rent-A-Racer emerges ahead in most objective measures, offering more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. The 1966 Alfa Romeo Spider 1750 Veloce (Duetto) counters with better value, but the numbers favor its rival. Still, both are remarkable machines, and the final choice often comes down to which driving experience speaks to you.
When Italy engineering meets USA craftsmanship, the result is one of the most compelling matchups in the classic car world. The 1966 Alfa Romeo Spider 1750 Veloce (Duetto) and 1966 Shelby GT350H Hertz Rent-A-Racer embody their respective national automotive traditions while competing in the same arena. The 1966 Shelby GT350H Hertz Rent-A-Racer holds a clear advantage in raw power with 306 hp compared to 118 hp, a 188-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Alfa Romeo Spider uses a Inline-4 DOHC 8V displacing 1,779 cc, while the Shelby GT350H relies on a V8 OHV 16V with 4,736 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1966 Shelby GT350H Hertz Rent-A-Racer edges ahead at 6.6 seconds versus 9.5 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 1,001 units built, the 1966 Shelby GT350H Hertz Rent-A-Racer is considerably scarcer than the Alfa Romeo Spider's 8,620 examples. On the collector market, the 1966 Shelby GT350H Hertz Rent-A-Racer commands a significant premium over the 1966 Alfa Romeo Spider 1750 Veloce (Duetto), 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.