Everyone has been asking the question since last week at the Detroit Auto Show, How much will the 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 price be? Well, the very first model of the most powerful factory Ford Mustang ever was auctioned tonight for $1.1 million as it goes for the famed muscle car’s biggest win ever – trying to help researchers cure children with type 1 diabetes. Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson, was the winning bidder. This of course is incredibly higher than the MSRP will be on the car, but what an amazing feat for a great charity.
This highly anticipated, 700-plus-horsepower 2020 Shelby GT500 – VIN 001 – was auctioned at the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in Scottsdale with all proceeds going to help JDRF, the leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes research, find a cure.
“The chance to become the owner of the first 2020 Ford Shelby GT500 cars is an opportunity of a lifetime,” said Joe Hinrichs, Ford president, global operations. “More importantly, being involved in helping to raise much needed funds and awareness for JDRF is a big win for everyone.”
Edsel B. Ford II and Aaron Shelby, grandson of the legendary Carroll Shelby, rekindled the performance magic of their two families and energized the auction arena by accompanying the all-new Shelby GT500 onto the block. The winning bidder of Lot No. 3008 – selling at “no reserve,” or simply the top price is tendered at the auction – became the owner of the coveted first production Ford Shelby GT500 and can choose from available colors and options for the model. Proceeds from the auctioned car are being donated to JDRF.
“For 35 years, Ford Motor Company has fueled the efforts of JDRF researchers to find a cure, while helping millions of children enjoy better lives,” said Edsel B. Ford II. “The proceeds from this car will add to the more than $3.5 million Ford contributes to JDRF annually, for a total of $70 million donated during our long-time partnership.”
World-beating pedigree
The 2020 Mustang Shelby GT500 draws on Carroll Shelby and Ford’s many performance collaborations that began with the Cobra roadster in 1962, which went on to win a world championship. Working together, they also broke the European stranglehold on Le Mans, winning the most important sports car race in the world with the Ford GT-40.
When Ford Motor Company asked Shelby to turn their new Mustang into a race winner for the 1965 model year, the small block Ford Shelby GT350 was born. In 1967, the big block-powered Ford Shelby GT500 was unveiled and it became a star among fans worldwide.
In 2006, Ford and Shelby announced a new generation Ford Shelby GT500. The first 2007 model year car available to the public was sold at Barrett-Jackson in Scottsdale with Edsel B. Ford II and Carroll Shelby watching from the block.
The limited-production car will be available in the United States and Canada this fall.
FIRST 2019 FORD GT HERITAGE EDITION SELLS FOR $2.5 MILLION
Just when you think things could not have been better, Ford brought the first 2019 Ford GT Heritage Edition with the Gulf racing theme to the block and raised another $2.5 million just a few hours after the GT500.
The Ford GT Heritage Edition with Gulf racing theme honors magical motorsport victories but now is racing to help Michigan families improve their lives as Ford donates the $2.5 million it earned at auction to support United Way for Southeastern Michigan. Rick Hendrick, Hendrick Motorsports owner, was the winning bidder.
The high-stakes return followed the auction of the first 2020 Mustang Shelby GT500 at the 48th annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction to total $3.6 million Ford will donate to two long-time charity partners. On Friday, VIN 001 of the 2020 Mustang Shelby GT500 raised $1.1 million to benefit JDRF, the leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes research.
“The chance to become the owner of the first 2019 Ford GT Heritage Edition with famous Gulf racing colors is an opportunity of a lifetime,” said Joe Hinrichs, Ford president, global operations. “More importantly, being involved in helping to raise much needed funds and awareness for United Way will help them improve the lives of families in Michigan.”
Hinrichs and Dr. Darienne Driver, president and CEO, United Way for Southeastern Michigan, drove the 2019 Ford GT Heritage Edition VIN 001 or lot No. 3012 across the auction block. Celebrating Ford’s 1968 Le Mans-winning race car with its original paint scheme, this Ford GT Heritage Edition features No. 9 graphics on the hood and doors, a ghosted image on the interior door panels, a unique serialized identification plate, and exposed carbon fiber inside and out.
“United Way for Southeastern Michigan improves lives and empowers families to succeed by uniting around education, economic prosperity and health,” said Driver. “Proceeds from the sale of this rare Ford GT supercar will bolster our efforts to ensure more families in underserved communities across southeast Michigan can access the resources they need to build a strong, equitable community.”
Friday evening, Edsel B. Ford II, Ford Motor Company board member, and Aaron Shelby, grandson of the legendary Carroll Shelby, energized the arena as they accompanied the all-new Shelby GT500 onto the block. Craig Jackson, CEO and Chairman of the Barrett-Jackson Company, now owns coveted lot No. 3008; he can choose from all available colors and options for this first-production Mustang Shelby GT500, which debuted at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on Jan. 14. The car will be available this fall.
“Ford Motor Company has always championed and supported organizations that seek to improve the lives of people and communities who are at risk,” said Edsel B. Ford II. “We’re proud to have helped continue this tradition at the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in Scottsdale. Working with JDRF and United Way of Southeastern Michigan we helped raise much needed funds and awareness for these two wonderful organizations.”
Several historic new Ford vehicles have been sold with proceeds benefiting charity at the Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale over the years.
“Over the last decade Barrett-Jackson, Ford and Shelby have teamed up to create some incredible moments in automotive history,” said Craig Jackson, CEO and Chairman of Barrett-Jackson. “As a lifelong Shelby Mustang fan, it was especially exciting to be the winning bidder of the 2020 Shelby GT500 VIN 001. It’s a direct descendant of the Green Hornet and Little Red Mustangs and will be a welcome addition to my personal Shelby collection. And while it’s an honor to be the owner of this very special Mustang, it’s more rewarding to know that Carolyn and I could contribute to JDRF’s noble fight against type 1 juvenile diabetes. We continued to build on that spirit of giving on Saturday with the sale of the 2019 Ford GT Heritage Edition VIN 001, which sold to benefit United Way of Southeastern Michigan.”
For more Ford information and pricing visit https://www.lascoford.com/
