UK vs USA — 1961 vs 1966
| Midget Mk III 1275 | GT350H Hertz Rent-A-Racer | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 65 hp | 306 hp |
| Torque | 70 lb-ft | 329 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,275 cc | 4,736 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 13.0 sec | 6.6 sec |
| Top Speed | 95 mph | 127 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 19.0 sec | 14.7 sec |
| Weight | 1,680 lbs | 2,800 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,032 mm | 2,743 mm |
| Length | 3,480 mm | 4,613 mm |
| Units Produced | 226,526 | 1,001 |
| Original MSRP | $2,299 | $4,547 |
| Value (Excellent) | $25,000 | $450,000 |
| Collectibility | 7/10 | 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 1961 MG Midget Mk III 1275 counters with lighter weight, 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.
Putting the 1961 MG Midget Mk III 1275 against the 1966 Shelby GT350H Hertz Rent-A-Racer is a comparison that enthusiasts have debated for decades. Each car reflects distinct design philosophies shaped by different automotive cultures — UK versus USA. The 1966 Shelby GT350H Hertz Rent-A-Racer holds a clear advantage in raw power with 306 hp compared to 65 hp, a 241-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the MG Midget uses a Inline-4 OHV displacing 1,275 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 13.0 seconds. The MG Midget carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 1120 lbs lighter. 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 MG Midget's 226,526 examples. On the collector market, the 1966 Shelby GT350H Hertz Rent-A-Racer commands a significant premium over the 1961 MG Midget Mk III 1275, 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.