Show time!Andy Vann and his wife Mary Ann arrived at the 60th Anniversary Mustang show in their still unwashed 1966 Shelby GT350-H. Their car was washed in 1980 and hasn't seen a raindrop or a wash bucket since. The last time the Vann's of Trussville, Alabama showed their car was 15 years ago at the Mustang Club of America's 45th Anniversary show. Their Hertz Rent-A-Racer, original down to the dirt from 1980, built by Shelby American was a hit with Mustang fans at the 45th Anniversary at Barber Motorsports Park. Would the Raven Black Shelby attract crowds at the 60th Mustang show?
We think we’ve found the best one but please drop a comment if you've seen a better running and driving survivor.
Time flies! This dirty 1966 Ford Shelby Mustang GT350H was a hit the last time the Mustang Club of America celebrated at Barber Motorsports Park in Leeds, Alabama. Now, 15 years later, Andy Vann and his wife Mary Ann load their still unwashed GT350-H into a trailer for the 60th Anniversary Mustang show.
Mary Vann helps load the 1966 Shelby Mustang into the trailer before heading to 60th Mustang Anniversary show at Barber Motorsports Park in Leeds, Alabama.
Bought not rented
Andy Vann bought the used Hertz Rent-A-Racer in 1967 from Jim Skinner Ford in Birmingham, Alabama for $2500. He and his future wife Mary Ann dated in the sporty black coupe. After they were married in 1969, Mary Ann took the keys and used the Shelby as her daily driver. Each year her Mustang got more and more attention everywhere she went. So many people tried to buy it, that it made her uncomfortable. Mary Ann parked it for good after a man followed her home demanding she sell the car to him. Andy drove it a few more years but locked it away in 1980.
The 1966 Shelby Mustang GT350H has lived in this one-car garage since 1969, the year Andy and Mary Ann got married.
Show time!
In 2009 a friend from the Barber Motorsports Museum suggested Andy drive the car to the 45th Anniversary Mustang show. Andy tuned up the long-dormant Mustang V8 and made his way to Leeds using the handbrake to stop the car. Crowds gathered and tens of thousands saw the original-owner holding court answering questions for three days.
“I never talked so much in my life,” said Vann.
Scene from 2009 MCA show at Barber where Andy Vann first showed off his barn-fresh GT350-H aka Hertz Rent-A-Racer.
Stole the show
The dirty black and gold Hertz car rental legend was solidified when people looked inside the GT350H. It was a time capsule. An ancient pouch of chewing tobacco topped the dash, S&H Greenstamps, and a vintage Pepsi can littered the cabin. The Shelby Mustang looked like someone had locked it away in 1980 and forgot about it. Judging by the crowds surrounding Andy and the car, they loved it.
Andy and Mary Ann Vann loaded up and ready to show their Mustang again.
Original-owner since 1967
It's 2024 and the 60th Anniversary Mustang show is happening at Barber Motorsports Park. Vann and his wife load up the old car that has lived in their garage for more than 57 years. Will the crowd love it? Will they want to hear the stories?
The smiles on Andy and Mary Ann are all you need to see. This is one car they are glad they have kept in original, survivor condition. All the memories and mishaps for the world to see.
Drop a comment if you've got a family treasure that you'll never sell.
Thanks for watching!
Jody Potter — Junkyard Life: The Story Beneath the Rust
A 289-cubic inch V8 powers the Shelby Mustang.
Original Cobra badging can be found inside and out on the 1966 Shelby.
A tri-spoke steering wheel and gauges aplenty meet the eyes of the driver.
A G.T. 350 badge on the rear of the Shelby Mustang.
The big steering wheel helps turn the race-ready beast.
Watch more Junkyard Life
If you got time, we need your help hiring a cheap camera holder and dog food. Your views, and likes help us. Thanks!
Do you have a great story, a junkyard or a junky yard? Send us details and we’re on the way! Send emails to Jody Potter at junkyardbull@gmail.com
