The allure of Shelby-branded vehicles, particularly the iconic black and gold GT-H models associated with Hertz rentals, is well-documented among Mustang enthusiasts and collectors. These limited-edition vehicles often command prices exceeding their original MSRP, a testament to their desirability. However, the same level of enthusiasm does not appear to have translated to the more recent addition of Shelby-branded Mach-E GTs to the Hertz rental fleet.
Just a few months after Hertz announced the availability of Shelby Mach-E GTs for rent, these performance EVs began appearing for sale on the company's website in October 2024. This rapid turnaround raises questions about the level of customer interest in renting these specific vehicles. Despite the initial production run of 100 units, a significant number – 67, according to a recent count – remain available for purchase through Hertz. This suggests that either awareness of their availability is limited, or demand for renting them was not as strong as anticipated.
The pricing strategy employed by Hertz may be a contributing factor to the apparent lack of demand. Each Shelby Mach-E GT is listed at a price of $59,995. This price point is nearly double what Hertz is asking for standard Mach-E GTs from its fleet, despite both versions sharing the same 480-horsepower output. The premium charged for the Shelby Mach-E GT-H appears to be primarily for cosmetic enhancements, including a body kit, a lowered ride height, simulated V-8 exhaust sounds, and extensive Shelby branding. While these modifications might appeal to some, the substantial price difference compared to the standard Mach-E GT seems to be a deterrent for many potential buyers.
The mileage on the available Shelby Mach-E GTs suggests that these vehicles were indeed actively used in the rental fleet. Most of the cars for sale have between 8,000 and 10,000 miles on the odometer, although some outliers exist, such as a vehicle in Las Vegas with only 4,000 miles and another in Texas with nearly 15,000 miles. Interestingly, the mileage does not seem to affect the asking price, with all vehicles listed at the same $59,995 regardless of usage. This consistent pricing, even after a price reduction from $65,000 in November (as reported by Carscoops), indicates that Hertz may be motivated to sell these high-performance EVs and clear them from their inventory.
The sale of the Shelby Mach-E GTs is not an isolated incident. It appears to be part of a broader shift in Hertz's approach to EV rentals. A year ago, the company began downsizing its Tesla Model 3 fleet. However, unlike the Shelby Mach-Es, the Tesla Model 3s were priced aggressively, with numerous examples available for around $20,000. While these Model 3s typically had higher mileage than the Shelby Mach-Es, the significantly lower price point made them attractive to buyers. Currently, only a small number of Model 3s (12) remain for sale through Hertz, suggesting that the company was successful in selling off most of its Tesla fleet. The difficulty Hertz is experiencing in selling the Shelby Mach-E GTs, despite a price reduction, suggests that the market for these particular EVs, especially at the current price point, is not as robust as initially anticipated. This may signal a broader reassessment of EV rental strategies by Hertz.