 Shelby GT500KR Glassback Fetches $550,000.00
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - January 20, 2008 - A new generation of muscle cars took center stage last night when American automakers Ford, General Motors and Chrysler sold their latest performance vehicles at No Reserve and raised nearly $2 million for charities at the 37th Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event in Scottsdale, Ariz. The 2008 Ford Shelby GT500KR sold for $550,000, the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 for $1 million and 2008 Dodge Challenger for $400,000. The Challenger was purchased by Barrett-Jackson CEO/Chairman Craig Jackson, with all proceeds benefiting the Phoenix-based charity Not My Kid, Inc.
"The great American muscle cars are back," said Jackson. "During the 1960s and early '70s, Detroit demonstrated its stronghold on automotive performance and power with cars like these. We're thrilled that Barrett-Jackson provided the stage for the rebirth of these amazing vehicles. When the new Challenger crossed the block, we decided it was a great opportunity for the Barrett-Jackson team to jump in and show our support for Not My Kid, a deserving local charity."
Each manufacturer donated money from the sale of the cars to a designated charity. Ford donated the proceeds of the GT500KR to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation; GM donated a portion of the proceeds of the Corvette ZR1's winning bid to United Way; and the proceeds from the new Challenger were donated to Not My Kid, Inc.
Among the stars present last night was "Tonight Show" host and avid car collector Jay Leno, who drove the Corvette ZR1 across the block. Automotive icon Carroll Shelby addressed the crowd during the sale of the GT500KR, along with "Grey's Anatomy" star Patrick Dempsey.
Ford and Shelby Automobiles auctioned one-off Shelby GT500KR featuring a full glass roof to benefit Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
Ford Racing and Patrick Dempsey auctioned off his No. 156 Ford Mustang FR500C, which the star raced in the Grand-Am KONI Challenge series for $200,000.00
A one-of a kind 2008 Ford Shelby GT500KR went on the block at this year’s Barrett-Jackson auction: the only "King of the Road" model to feature a full glass roof. Continuing a Ford and Shelby tradition of charitable giving, proceeds from the auction will benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).
"Barrett-Jackson is an ideal venue to launch and sell Ford’s premier models," said Robert Parker, Ford car marketing manager. "It’s the ultimate platform for selling the world’s most remarkable cars, and we’ve created a unique GT500KR just for the occasion."
Barrett-Jackson featured an unprecedented stable of muscle cars, led by a vintage Mustang from each year in which performance legend Carroll Shelby and Ford Motor Company produced the street-ripping 1960s classics. The highlight of the crop is be Mr. Shelby’s personal 1969 GT500 convertible, followed by a pristine 1967 GT500 originally gifted by Carroll to his son, Mike Shelby.
Muscle car enthusiasts tuned in on SPEED TV to watch Ford continue to lead the muscle car wars.
Shelby GT500KR with Glass Roof
The 540-horsepower Shelby GT500KR on the block at Barrett-Jackson is a unique rendition of the most powerful factory-built Mustang ever. Shelby GT500KR production began in Las Vegas on Jan. 11, Carroll Shelby’s 85th birthday. The one-of-one ebony black GT500KR up for auction will feature the same full glass roof that is being offered as an option on the 2009 V-6 Mustang and Mustang GT models only.
The glass roof provides a third roof option for customers and responds to their growing desire for more natural light. The glass is tinted, which reduces both infrared rays and vehicle cool down time by 50 percent. Production of large sunroofs has increased nearly 200 percent in North America since 2003, according to Just-autos.com.
While the Shelby GT500KR coupe features racing stripes over the roof, the unique glass roof on the auction model features stripes etched directly into the glass.
"Barrett-Jackson will be a rare opportunity for one lucky bidder to own a Shelby GT500KR with a glass roof, a car no one else can even buy," said Carroll Shelby. "It’s been too long, but I’m very excited to have the ‘King of the Road’ back."
"Only Ford Motor Company and Shelby American have sold more genuine Ford-powered Shelby vehicles than the Barrett-Jackson auction over the past 36 years," said Craig Jackson, Chairman/CEO of the Barrett-Jackson Auction Co. "I'm proud that Ford and Carroll Shelby chose to sell a one-of-a-kind 2008 Shelby GT500KR coupe at our auction, where only the finest, authentic Shelby vehicles are offered to the public."
Patrick Dempsey’s Ford Mustang FR500C on the Block Saturday
In another exciting development, Ford Racing and Patrick Dempsey, the star of ABC’s "Grey’s Anatomy," also auctioned the actor’s No. 156 2005 Ford Mustang FR500C.
Dempsey drove the car in the 2007 Grand-Am KONI Challenge series for Hyper Sport Racing, a team he co-owns. Since its debut in 2005, the Mustang FR500C has earned seven poles, 10 wins, 92 top ten finishes and 25 podium appearances. Featuring a Ford Racing 5.0-liter Cammer R50 engine, it continues to be the road racing car of choice.
Dempsey was on stage as bidders vie for this unique race Mustang. The winning bidder also will also receive a helmet, gloves, shoes, hero card and DVD box set of the third season of "Grey’s Anatomy" signed by Dempsey. In addition, the winner will enjoy a track day with Hyper Sport Racing and a day for two at the Ford Racing High Performance Driving School at Miller Motorsports Park in Tooele, UT.
Ford Exhibit Celebrates Speed
Building on a valued partnership, Ford plans to remain a key automotive sponsor of The Barrett-Jackson Auction series as a third venue is added in Las Vegas this October. As part of this sponsorship, Ford will bring interactive elements to Barrett-Jackson, including a drifting track, racing simulators and a dyno-simulated drag racing display.
This year, Ford added a life-size Mustang collector’s display which showcases a ‘Steed for Every Need,’ along with a new "Built Ford Tough" tent that houses Ford’s feature vehicles. Consumers also can look forward to a few surprises. "We have found that experiential elements allow us to create a lot of memories for our current and future customers," said Parker.
Ford, Barrett-Jackson and Shelby: $1.7 Million Raised for Charity
During the past three years, Ford and Carroll Shelby have raised more than $1.7 million dollars for charity. Last year, the first 2007 Shelby GT Mustang was auctioned off at a winning big of $600,000. In 2006, an early production 2007 Shelby GT500 also sold for $600,000. |
