SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Jan. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- A one-of-a-kind 2008 Ford Shelby GT500KR will go 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 will feature 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 will 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 are sure to tune in on SPEED TV this Saturday 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 35 years," said Craig Jackson, president and 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 will auction 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 will be 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 will add 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 GTMustang was auctioned off at a winning big of $600,000. In 2006, an early production 2007 Shelby GT500 also sold for $600,000.
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With about 250,000 employees and about 100 plants worldwide, the company's core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo and Mazda. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.ford.com.
About JDRF
JDRF was founded in 1970 by the parents of children with type 1 diabetes - a disease that strikes children, adolescents, and adults suddenly, makes them insulin-dependent for life, and carries the constant threat of devastating complications. Since inception, JDRF has provided more than $1.16 billion to diabetes research worldwide. More than 85 percent of JDRF's expenditures directly support research and research-related education. JDRF's mission is constant: to find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support of research. For more information please visit www.jdrf.org