Hertz dropped the "rent-a-racer" advertising angle after just one year, because people were doing exactly that. Rent the Shelby, then go compete at Willow Springs, Lime Rock, Laguna Seca, etc. Sometimes those cars even "donated" their engines to somebody's Shelby Cobra (without Hertz's prior approval). If it has gold stripes, it's quite likely an original Hertz car (most were gold stripes over black, Hertz corporate colors).
Any idea whether your dad's car is on the SAAC registry? I think you can compare the Shelby VIN tag under the hood to the SAAC's listing at their website.
I’ve got no clue Charles. About the only other thing I’m aware of is the fact that it is equipped with a Packston (????,,,,I’m a gunsmith, not a mechanic LOL) turbocharger.