Ford and Barrett-Jackson Auction Three Historic Pony Cars

On the eve of the 45th anniversary of the Ford Mustang, Ford is offering automobile enthusiasts a rare opportunity to own a piece of pony car history and help a deserving charity at the same time.

Ford will auction off the first retail 2010 Ford Shelby GT500 and two Mustang GT concept cars during the 7th Annual Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach Collector Car Auction April 9-11, 2009, at the Americraft Expo Center at the South Florida Fairgrounds. The three-day event will be televised live on the SPEED channel.

"During the last three years, Ford and Barrett-Jackson have raised more than $2.6 million for charity through the auction of Ford vehicles," said Ford Performance and Enthusiast Manager Fritz Wilke. "The winning bidders will get a chance to own an enduring piece of Mustang history and contribute to important charity efforts at the same time."

All proceeds above MSRP from the sale of the 540-horsepower 2010 Ford Shelby GT500 will benefit the Carroll Shelby Children's Foundation, created by automotive icon Carroll Shelby to help children battling life-threatening illnesses and promote the importance of organ and tissue donation.

All money raised from the sale of two Mustang GT concept cars will benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, a leader in research leading to a cure for Type 1 diabetes.

"It's rare for a concept vehicle, especially one as iconic as a Ford Mustang, to be sold to the public," said Craig Jackson, Chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. "Giving enthusiasts an opportunity to take home the ultimate keepsake is an admirable way to mark the 45th anniversary of the Mustang."

2010 Ford Shelby GT500 The new Ford Shelby GT500 is the latest in high-performance cars and features a color scheme and equipment personally chosen by Carroll Shelby.

This pony car delivers the most power and refinement ever for a Ford SVT-tuned performance Mustang. Powering the Shelby GT500 is a supercharged and intercooled 5.4-liter dual overhead cam V-8 engine producing 540 horsepower and 510 foot-pounds of torque.

The new exterior design, clad in Kona Blue with white stripes, is complemented by an all-new interior design brimming with upscale materials, such as leather and Alcantara.

Ford Shelby GT500 (2010)

Redline Red Metallic Ford Mustang GT Convertible Concept This Ford Mustang GT convertible concept debuted at the 2003 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) and signaled a new direction for the 2005 Mustang.

The front-end geometry of the car is all original. An upward rake angle makes the car appear to be in motion even while at a standstill. The 20-inch wheels and 13.8-inch vented and cross-drilled Brembo disc brakes are pushed out to the corners and anchor the design to the road. A sharp accent line runs the length of the body just above the rocker panel and culminates in a "C-scoop" design behind the door cutline to create an intentional visual link with the C-pillar design.

The Mustang GT convertible's modern interior is awash in supple red and charcoal leather and accented with billet-aluminum hardware.

Tungsten Silver Ford Mustang GT Coupe Concept This Ford Mustang GT Coupe concept, also introduced at NAIAS in 2003, interprets the performance edge of Mustang's heritage.

The functional hood scoops help the supercharged engine breathe as it churns out nearly 400 horsepower. The engine boasts a MOD 4.6-liter 90-degree cast-iron block V-8 with aluminum heads, a belt-driven supercharger and a liquid-to-air intercooler.

Inside, the cockpit is dramatic with its glass roof and lush red and charcoal leather accented by billet-aluminum hardware. The cluster gauges, 3-spoke steering wheel and innovative cockpit dash design are clear Mustang cues.

Unlike production models, this Mustang GT concept has only two seats - racing inspired with red perforated leather. The Mustang GT coupe's billet-aluminum strut brace linking the two rear shock towers serves as the primary hold down for a backseat-mounted spare tire.

Ford Mustang GT Coupe Concept (2003)