Franklin Mint 1966 Shelby Mustang GT350H 'Hertz Rent A Car' LE of 2500

You may consider this a retooling. It is FM’s first foray into the 1966 Mustang. A revamp and revision of the 1965 model, FM made all the appropriate changes. Historically, this is like a tall tale told to kids that may be a little unbelievable to some. …“Oh sure, I was a racer in my day. Why, I had this Shelby GT350 that blew the socks off the other guys in ’66.” Yeah, pretty cool until you fess up with, “Yep, I just walked into Hertz and rented that sucker.” HUH? We all know the history, pretty much, on these so-called ‘Rent-A-Racers’ so let’s spend a little time in exploring the model itself.

FM made a grand little ’65 GT350; both unsigned and in a grandiose package autographed by Carroll Shelby. The model was faithful to the stance and shape of the real car and this model follows suit extremely well. Get past the dog leg door hinges and the glassless vent wings. Focus, instead, on the positive points; there are quite a few. Realistic paint colors render an authentic look to the chassis. The exhaust pipes, tranny, blue engine bottom, differential and rear shocks, they all look superb. The interior is right out of a Shelby-history picture essay; true to life and detailed very well. Love those fabric belts. That big ol’ tach sure looks good too. The trunk is pretty small but well defined, just like the real one. It’s a rental. A racin’ rental; who’s getting groceries in this bomb anyway? The suspension works and the paint is to die for. And talk about gorgeous paint; the red with gold stripe is to die for! The photo-etch wipers are welcome and the hood is just like Shelby’s original – fiberglass. That’s a carry-over detail from FM’s two ’65 350GT models. I like it. Easy when opening it, it’s light.

The engine is my favorite part of the diecast. Right up to date and modern as can be for a more than four decade-old automotive subject. Caution stickers, wires, hoses, metal fuel lines, cabling; it is all very well handled. If you have a Mustang collection, you need this one. If you don’t, this would make a good starting point. Issue price is $135.

-Tony F Perrone