UK vs USA — 1962 vs 1966
| 3000 Mk III BJ8 | GT350H Hertz Rent-A-Racer | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 150 hp | 306 hp |
| Torque | 170 lb-ft | 329 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 2,912 cc | 4,736 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 9.8 sec | 6.6 sec |
| Top Speed | 121 mph | 127 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 17.1 sec | 14.7 sec |
| Weight | — | 2,800 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,337 mm | 2,743 mm |
| Length | 4,013 mm | 4,613 mm |
| Units Produced | 17,712 | 1,001 |
| Original MSRP | — | $4,547 |
| Value (Excellent) | $130,000 | $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 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III BJ8 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.
Putting the 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III BJ8 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 150 hp, a 156-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Austin-Healey 3000 uses a Inline-6 OHV 12V displacing 2,912 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 9.8 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 Austin-Healey 3000's 17,712 examples. On the collector market, the 1966 Shelby GT350H Hertz Rent-A-Racer commands a significant premium over the 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III BJ8, 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.