UK vs USA — 1962 vs 1966
| Elan Sprint | GT350H Hertz Rent-A-Racer | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 126 hp | 306 hp |
| Torque | 113 lb-ft | 329 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,558 cc | 4,736 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 6.7 sec | 6.6 sec |
| Top Speed | 120 mph | 127 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 15.5 sec | 14.7 sec |
| Weight | — | 2,800 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,134 mm | 2,743 mm |
| Length | 3,683 mm | 4,613 mm |
| Units Produced | — | 1,001 |
| Original MSRP | — | $4,547 |
| Value (Excellent) | $90,000 | $450,000 |
| Collectibility | 5/10 | 9/10 |
| Rarity | 6/10 | 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 1962 Lotus Elan Sprint 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 UK engineering meets USA craftsmanship, the result is one of the most compelling matchups in the classic car world. The 1962 Lotus Elan Sprint 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 126 hp, a 180-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Lotus Elan uses a Inline-4 DOHC 8V displacing 1,558 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 6.7 seconds. On the collector market, the 1966 Shelby GT350H Hertz Rent-A-Racer commands a significant premium over the 1962 Lotus Elan Sprint, 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.