Barnum was Right: Pair of Mustangs Go for 300K at Barrett-Jackson

It was P. T. Barnu who built a fortune on the proposition that “[t]here’s a sucker born every minute.

A man whose mother apparently gave birth as the minute hand reached twelve paid $300,000 at the Barrett-Jackson auction in Palm Beach for a pair of “KITTt” Mustangs.

KITT, in case you’ve missed it, is the car that was the soul of the television show “Knight Rider,” long ago. The real KITT was a Pontiac. Though they’ve been offered on eBay, the real KITT cars have, so far, gone unsold at their asking prices, which have been less than was paid for the imitations.

(more after the jump)

But, the movie industry lacks for original ideas. So, the scions of imagination are bringing back the TV show as a film. This time Ford got the nod for the car job. (Apparently, they heard in Dearborn that GM had gotten the deal for “Transformers,” and thereby had secured its future in the marketplace.)

Now, it may have escaped you, but Ford has been doing a lot of special edition Mustangs. Roush may have reached the outer limits with the P-51 Mustang commemorative edition, but Roush has also been responsible for one done in Gulf racing colors and he’s probably going to do one in pink. Ford, at least, managed to avoid competing with Mary Kay when it did the breast cancer Mustang. That one was black, with a pink stripe South of the skeg line.

The demise of a car is generally preceded by myriad special editions. When it ain’t selling, putting a tape and trim package on it, a few more dollars on the sticker and then discounting the dickens out of it to the dealer is the solution.

And that’s exactly what Ford’s doing with the Mustang.

But, $300 grand for two clones of a car that’s really nothing more than an overdone Roush Mustang with a rear wing from a WWI Spad?

Barnum was right.

But wait – they sold because Jack Roush also sold his hat as part of the deal.

Ford Recall News

2005 through 2008 Mustangs are the latest Fords to be recalled, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is also admonishing owners of other Fords to return their cars to dealers for a redo of an earlier recall.

The Mustangs are being recalled to reprogram the airbag control module. According to the NHTSA, small stature women who have the seat fully forward and are, additionally, so foolish that they’re not wearing a seatbelt have “increased potential for a neck injury.” A total of 434,593 Mustangs are being recalled.

Meantime, NHTSA is after 4.6 million Ford, Mercury, and Lincoln owners who have, so far, ignored an earlier recall to fix a fire hazard resulting from a potentially faulty cruise control switch. 5 million Ford owners have responded to the campaign, barely above 50%. The vehicles involved are certain 1992 through 2004 models.

Although the size of the recall means that some dealers may not presently have the required parts in stock, dealers will disconnect the potentially faulty switch – usually on the spot, if the owner simply drives the car into the service department – until the part can be replaced.

Trucks: 1997-2002 Expedition 1998-2002 Navigator 2002-2003 Blackwood 1993-1996 Bronco 2000-2003 Excursion (built prior to 11/4/02) 1992-2003 Econoline E-150/250/350 1996-2003 Econoline E450 2002-2003 Econoline E550 1998-2002 Ranger 1998-2001 Explorer/Mountaineer 2001-2002 Explorer Sport (2 door) & Sport Trac 2003-2004 F-150 Lightning 1993-2003 F-Series (Under 8500 lb. GVW) 1993-2003 F-Series (over 8500 lb. GVW) – all plants except Cuautitlan 1994-2003 F-Series (over 8500 lb. GVW) – Cuautitlan built only prior to 1/7/03 1995-2002 F-53 Motorhome

Cars: 1992-1998 Town Car 1992-1998 Crown Victoria 1992-1998 Grand Marquis 1993-1998 Mark VIII 1993-1995 Taurus SHO (automatic transmission) 1994 Capri *equipped with speed control. Diesel engine equipped vehicles are excluded from recall

Is It the First Production Mustang?

The two cars are identical, but for one minor detail: the serial number.

One them has a serial number that ends in 01, the other serial number ends with 212.

The former, pictured here, is in the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan.

The other one for sale at a Chicago area muscle car dealership.

Both are claimed to be the first Mustang ever sold to the public, back in 1964.

The museum Mustang is not for sale.

The other Mustang is for sale, with an asking price of $5.5 million. According to the dealer, it was actually delivered to its purchaser the day before the first day on which the Mustang could be officially sold.

And, of course, that’s where it starts to get murky – because all but about $50,000 of that price tag is ostensibly justified by the car’s status as the first production Mustang sold to the public.

The dealer claims the museum car may have a lower serial number, but that it’s not really a production car. He claims that his Mustang is a “preproduction” car which was not intended to be sold to the public.

Hah, figuratively speaking, says the Museum. They point out that the car was, indeed, sold. It was sold to an airline pilot who kept it. Ford eventually got it back from him, but not without doing a lot of begging (presumably with an open checkbook).

The museum’s curator, Bob Casey, has one other question: “if this guy can prove his car is first – more power to him. But I would think that if that is the case his car’s serial number would be closer to number 1 than 212.”

Good point.

Obsidian SG-One Ford Mustang

What would you build if you had finances without limitations, a love for classic Mustangs and a passion for hot rodding? Forget everything you know and believe about classic Mustangs because were talking about something that’s never existed before. Something that says, You’ve achieved the highest levels success and perfectly reflects who you are. It must exceed the wildest dreams of even the most discerning enthusiast without disappointment or delay. It must redefine the standards by which all others are judged. It must be the absolute pinnacle of achievement. All of this requires the finest coach level craftsmanship, ingenious engineering, seamless integration of only the best components and several years to complete. All in just one car: the Obsidian SG-One Mustang.

Classic styling meticulously blended with sophisticated technology. A Twin supercharged and intercooled EFI engine with more horsepower than any factory Shelby Mustang , a new Corvette ZR-1 or a new Dodge Viper.

The SG-One Ford Mustang is powered by a 6.4 liter V8 twin supercharged engine that delivers more than 800 hp. It makes the 0 to 60 mph sprint in just 4 seconds.

To ensure the highest level of your entertainment experience there is a 3,000 watt Kicker stereo system with Dolby 5.1 surround sound, DVD navigation, MP3, iPod, XM Radio, 60GB hard drive, Bluetooth and HomeLink. There’s even WiFi Internet access wherever your journey takes you.

Specifications after the jump.

• Horsepower: 800+HP on pump gas (est) Over 1,000+ HP is possible w/tuning
• Torque: 750 lbs. ft. on pump gas (est)
• 0-60: 4 sec. (est)
• Top Speed: Could possibly be the fastest streetable Mustang ever
• Weight: Approximately 3,000 lbs.
• Length: 190.6 (7 longer, comfortably seats virtually anyone up to 7 feet tall)
• Cost To Duplicate: Approx. $1.3M

ENGINE & DRIVE TRAIN:

• Obsidian 392 cubic inch engine (351W based), 800+HP on pump gas
• Big Stuff 3 fuel injection w/on-board computer mgt. & in-dash diagnostics
• Rotrex C38-81 twin superchargers & Active twin blow off valves
• Hogan custom aluminum intake manifold w/Viper twin throttle bodies
• Spearco custom twin air to air intercoolers
• Custom billet aluminum pulley system, radiator core support & firewall
• Aeromotive fuel pump & custom alum. fuel tank (sumped & baffled)
• Doug Thorley custom headers, custom dual exhaust & aluminum tips
• Tremec TKO 600 5-speed manual w/Master Shift paddle shifters
• Mittler Brothers 9" fabricated rear end housing w/Currie 31-spline axles

CHASSIS:

• Integrated tubular chassis, 4-point hidden roll cage & 4-piece belly pan
• Redesigned shock towers, rear frame rails, reinforced frame rails & jack pads
• Lowered center of gravity (for high speed stability & aggressive look)
• Engine & firewall have been pushed back (for better weight distribution)

SUSPENSION, BRAKES & STEERING:

• RRS Phase 5 front coil over suspension (Koni shocks w/Eibach springs)
• RRS rear 3-link coil over suspension w/torque Arm
• Brembo 14" 4-wheel disc brakes w/4-piston calipers
• RRS power rack & pinion steering w/IDIDIT brushed tilt steering
• Power Brake Service hydroboost power brakes

INTERIOR (17 CUSTOM INTERIOR PANELS):

• 2-seat conversion w/seats/boxes pushed back (for a modern sports car feel)
• Recaro custom ultra heated leather seats w/full lumbar support
• 4-point safety harness system
• Luxury carpeting, sound proofing & heat insulation
• Electronic A/C, Electric Life power windows, door locks & 3-speed wipers
• Kicker 3,000 watt sound system w/5.1 Dolby digital surround sound
• DVD GPS Navigation, XM Radio, MP3, WMA, iPod, Bluetooth, 60 Gig hard drive, Mobile Wi-Fi Internet, HomeLink & more
• 10.5" LCD touch screen monitor (operates electronics for vehicle)
• Keyless ignition, remote keyless entry & vehicle security system
• Stewart Warner gauges w/chameleon light package
• Hand crafted color matched dash board extends several inches over stock
• Hand crafted 2-piece door panels, headliner, center console & rear panels
• Leather wrapped billet steering wheel w/manual paddle shifters
• Lokar billet pedals & various billet accessories

Shelby GT500KR goes into production

Automotive legend Carroll Shelby shares his 85th birthday with a new performance standout – the 540-horsepower 2008 GT500KR, which begins production today.

The GT500KR or “King of the Road” Mustang is the fourth limited-edition Mustang that Shelby Automobiles and Ford have brought to market since resuming their collaboration in 2001. It builds on the performance and success of the 500-horsepower Shelby GT500 – the most powerful production Mustang ever.

The new GT500KR will be available at select Ford dealerships this spring. Production is limited at 1,000 units.

“It is simply magic when Shelby and Ford team up and deliver products like the GT500KR,” said Mark Fields, Ford’s president, The Americas. “Collaborations like this have helped Mustang remain at the top of the sports car segment for 22 straight years – and running – and help inspire people who truly want and value performance.”

Carroll Shelby, who was actively involved in the GT500KR’s development, said: “My energy and passion for performance products has always been strongest when I am working with Ford. I’m always looking to up the ante when it comes to performance, and bringing back the ‘King of the Road’ Mustang is just what we need.”

Delivering the “King of the Road”

Each Shelby GT500KR begins life as a GT500, built at AutoAlliance International Inc., in Flat Rock, Mich. From there, the cars are shipped to Shelby Automobile’s facility in Las Vegas, where a Ford Racing performance pack, exhaust system and short-throw shifter are installed. The GT500KR also is fitted with body, chassis and interior components. Every GT500KR will be hand customized and delivered to each customer in an enclosed transporter, just like the legendary Ford GT.

To fine-tune the GT500KR’s chassis – stiffened 50 percent to deliver increased body control – SVT engineers and Shelby put the GT500KR through a rigorous testing program developed specially for SVT products, including a 12-hour racetrack durability test. The result is a car with increased performance capability that is still comfortable to drive on the street.

The GT500KR’s aerodynamics were fine-tuned to add 50 pounds of downforce over the front axle and move the center of aero pressure forward in the vehicle to improve high-speed balance and downforce under high-speed braking. A new front splitter design works with the hood and revised rear spoiler to deliver these benefits. The bottom line: the GT500KR sets new performance standards for Mustang handling and straight-line performance on the racetrack, slalom course and skidpad.

“Because the Shelby GT500 strikes a great balance between ride and handling, we knew that the GT500KR had to be even better,” said Jamal Hameedi, chief engineer at Ford SVT. “We used a holistic approach, having chassis engineers work closely with the engine specialists to develop a tuning suspension that optimizes the engine enhancements.”

Added Gary Davis, vice president production for Shelby Automobiles: “We aren’t fixing our attention on one or two attributes, but working on the vehicle as a whole. The throttle response, power delivery, exhaust note and handling all work together to deliver a great total driving experience.”

To deliver that balance, the ride height has been lowered to the optimum setting for limit handling, which equates to a 20 mm ride height reduction in the front and 15 mm in the rear.

The Shelby GT500KR team sculpted a modern interpretation of the original’s bulging hood scoop, a visual indication of the extra horsepower packed beneath it. The hood is secured by a pair of stainless steel, twist-down hood pins.

To save weight, the hood borrows design elements from the ducted aluminum/carbon fiber clamshell on the Ford GT. Developed through intensive use of analytical tools including Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Finite Element Analysis (FEA), the design optimizes the structural properties of carbon fiber delivering panels at a wafer-thin 0.8 mm. The hood saves 15 pounds versus its aluminum counterpart in the GT500.

Unlike most traditional designs, the hood has three components: the outer panel, an integrated airflow duct which spans the entire hood and the inner panel. The duct serves three purposes: to channel supplemental fresh air into the new cold air intake, to relieve high-speed underhood pressure and to move air from the front intake and engine compartment to the rear extractors.

The Shelby GT500KR will ride on all-new Goodyear tires, which make their North American debut exclusively on this new Mustang. The Supercar F1 tire, made of a new performance compound, resulted from a special collaboration between SVT and Goodyear.

Each GT500KR model is identified by a special 40th Anniversary badge on the fenders and grille, distinctive body colored mirror caps and Shelby lettering stretching across the front of the hood and along the rear portion of the deck lid. a special Shelby VIN tag is affixed to each vehicle, mounted in the engine compartment.

The all-leather interior features Carroll Shelby signature embroidered headrests and an official Shelby CSM 40th Anniversary GT500KR dash plate mounted at the top of the center stack.

Other standard equipment includes HID headlamps, an interior ambient lighting package, wrapped and stitched instrument panel, center console and armrests, as well as an electrochromic rearview mirror. Optional equipment includes a Shaker 1000 audio system and DVD navigation system.

The GT500KR’s 5.4-liter V-8 Gets the Royal Treatment

Just like its namesake, the 1968 GT500KR, the 2008 “King of the Road” packs a walloping dose of Ford performance. The Ford SVT-engineered 5.4-liter supercharged V-8 is enhanced with a Ford Racing Power Upgrade Pack that boosts horsepower to an estimated 540-hp and torque to 510 ft.-lbs. The added power comes thanks to revised ignition and throttle calibration and a cold air intake system that replaces the stock unit. The Shelby GT500KR cold air intake seal was designed in unison with the new carbon fiber hood to prevent hot engine compartment air from reaching the air intake.

Calibration modifications include advancing the ignition timing as well as re-mapping the electronic throttle settings to provide quicker throttle response for better off-line and mid-range acceleration. Increased throttle response will be met with a sharper roar from the Ford Racing-inspired exhaust system.

Power is delivered to the rear wheels through a Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual transmission and 3.73:1 rear axle ratio, compared with the GT500’s 3.31:1.

To perform optimally on track and during performance driving, the Shelby GT500KR has been fitted with an elevated axle vent reservoir to prevent axle fluid expulsion. Gear selection is courtesy of an all-new Ford Racing short-throw shifter making its debut on the GT500KR. Topped with a white ball, the new shifter throws are 25 percent shorter than the unit on the GT500 providing for crisper, sharper shifts.

First Mustang Convertible ever for sale: $5.5 millions

Ford introduced Mustang to the world for the first time on April 17, 1964 at the World’s Fair in Flushing Meadows, New York. These first Mustangs came with one of four engines — from the base 101-horsepower, 170-cubic-inch six-cylinder to the 4-barrel 289-cubic-inch High Performance V-8 with 271 horsepower — and coupe or convertible body styles were available. A 200-cubic-inch inline V-6 and a 2-barrel version of the "289" were added later in the model year. If there is a bit nostalgia in you about this cars, then you can buy it! As the first Mustang Convertible ever is for sale. $5.5 million!

The first production car went out of the production line at Ford’s Dearborn assembly line on March 9. From here it went to its owner on the evening of April 16th, less than one day before the official debut.

So, if you have the money go and buy it. But if you don’t, don’t worry, you can purchased for only $42,064.26 per month with $1,000,000 down payment.

2009 Ford Mustang to be unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show

Like the speed of the car itself, the soon-to-be-released 2009 Ford Mustang was the inspiration for a fast-developed new glass roof option that maximizes automotive consumers’ growing desire for more natural light.

America’s favorite muscle car, the Ford Mustang, will make its 2009, 45th- anniversary public debut at the North American International Auto Show with an unique alternative developed by Webasto Roof Systems, Inc. — a factory-installed fixed glass roof.

The new roof will be an option available on both the Mustang GT and the V-6 Mustang beginning in the summer. It provides consumers a third roof option — one that’s less expensive than a convertible, yet still lets in natural light without compromising the coupe’s head room or versatility.

"We believe this project truly speaks well to Webasto’s ability to deliver complex engineering capabilities in a very short time frame while still meeting our customers’ strong engineering demands for their product’s safety, durability, and styling," said Andreas Weller, Vice President Business Development at Webasto. "It was a remarkable achievement that, along with Ford, we brought this program from concept to ’parts on the road’ in just 70 weeks — about half the time normally taken on an automotive project of this complexity.

"Such success started with our close working relationship with Ford Motor Company but it also reflects Webasto’s competence and level of expertise and know-how in designing, engineering and proving out large, high-quality and innovative roof systems."

The assembly process for the fixed glass roof option vehicles includes a full, invisible interface with the body shop at Automotive Alliance International’s Flat Rock, Mich. plant which assembles the Ford Mustang.

"While we produce and deliver several fixed transparent module roofs (FTM’s) in Europe and Asia, this is the first fixed module in the United States market," Weller added.

Components are produced and shipped to Flat Rock from two different Webasto locations, in Livonia, Mich. and Rochester Hills, Mich.

"What really brought this project together between Ford and Webasto was our ability to fully integrate the glass roof with the Mustang’s structure — to provide a design that did not cause any compromise to any structural rigidity of the vehicle, while still offering a very unique option for the end consumer," Weller said.

Shelby GT500KR KITT

As "Knight Rider" — NBC’s iconic 1980s television classic that became a runaway success, comes roaring back to life on the network with an updated sequel that will air as a two-hour movie event on Sunday, February 17 (9-11 p.m. ET) — NBC unveiled the new customized KITT Ford Mustang to be featured in the series in a press event held at NBC’s Burbank Studios today.

The movie stars Justin Bruening ("Cold Case," "All My Children"), Deanna Russo ("NCIS," "The Young and the Restless"), Sydney Tamiia Poitier ("Veronica Mars," "Grindhouse") and Bruce Davison ("Breach," "Close to Home"). In addition, David Hasselhoff (NBC’s "America’s Got Talent") — who starred in the popular lead role as Michael Knight for four seasons during the original series — returns as the same character in a special guest-star appearance. Will Arnett (NBC’s "30 Rock," "Blades of Glory") will provide the voice of KITT.

Dave Bartis ("Heist," "The O.C.") and Doug Liman ("Mr. and Mrs. Smith," "The Bourne Identity") serve as executive producers. NBC also has an arrangement with Ford Motor Company that provides for a unique content opportunity that makes the Ford Mustang one of the stars of the movie.

The three cars to be employed in the series include the KITT Hero — a Ford Mustang Shelby GT500KR that is playing the part of the everyday Hero car with 540 horsepower the KITT Attack — a super high-speed version of the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500KR Hero car that transforms into Attack mode with the help of air-ride technology and specialized body parts — and a KITT Remote, which is a driverless Ford Mustang Shelby GT500KR version of the Hero vehicle.

As the original story resumes, the new KITT (Knight Industries Three Thousand) is absolutely the coolest car ever created: its supercomputer capable of hacking almost any system; its weapons systems efficient; and its body — thanks to its creator’s work and nanotechnology — is capable of actually shifting shape and color. Plus, its artificial intelligence makes it the ideal crime-fighting partner: logical, precise and possessing infinite knowledge. It is the ultimate car — and someone will be willing to do anything to obtain it.

Sarah Graiman is a 24-year old Ph.D candidate at Stanford University, following in her genius father Charles’ (Davison) footsteps. But when men attempt to abduct her, Sarah receives a mysterious call from KITT warning her that he’s a creation of Charles, who also invented the first KITT 25 years ago — and that her father is in serious danger.

Sarah and KITT track down her best friend from childhood, Mike Tracer (Bruening), a 23-year-old ex-Army Ranger, whom Sarah hasn’t seen since he left home at 18. Having served in Iraq, Mike is now jaded and lost and initially resistant. Eventually he agrees to help Sarah and the two set out to discover who’s behind the attempt to procure KITT and find Charles. Along the way, Carrie Rivai (Poitier) plays the agile yet tough FBI agent who has a long-standing friendship with Charles and Sarah. Due to those ties, she is brought into the mix to help in the search.

David Andron is supervising producer and writer. Steve Shill ("Dexter," "The Tudors"), also a co-executive producer, directs the two-hour movie from Universal Media Studios and Dutch Oven Productions.

Saleen Patriot Mustang Limited Edition

Saleen revealed the limited edition Patriot Mustang, a tribute to the military servicemen and women who defend the country at home and abroad. They repesent the true pride and strength of America and as America’s premiere niche vehicle manufacturer, Saleen wants to salute them. So, as a way to say welcome home to our troops Saleen will build 24 special edition S281 Supercharged cars in Red, White and Blue (8 vehicles per color).

ENGINE

281 CID (4.6L) 3-Valve SOHC V8, 465 HP @ 5800 RPM, 425 lb-ft TQ @ 4000 RPM, 3.55″ x 3.54″ Bore & Stroke, 39 lb/hr Fuel Injectors, 98 mm MAF, Port Matched Series VI Integrated Twin-Screw Supercharger, Dual-Stage Water-to-Air Intercooler System, Hi-Flow Inlet Tube, Air Box Cover & Filter, PowerFlash tm Performance Calibration, 2.5″ Stainless Steel Center Exhaust System

DRIVETRAIN

5-Speed Manual Transmission, with 8.8″ Differential, 3.31:1 Final Drive, RACECRAFT SUSPENSION, Linear-Rate, Coil Springs (F/R), Sway Bars, 1.38″ with HD Bushings (F) .79″ (R), Front Struts (N2), Rear Shocks (N2), Three-Link, Live Rear Axle with Panhard Rod

BRAKING SYSTEM

Power Assisted 4-Wheel Disc Brakes with ABS, 12.4″ Vented Front Disc Brake System, 11.8″ Vented Rear Disc Brake

WHEELS & TIRES

20″ Chrome Finished Alloy, High Performance Dunlop Tires, Tire Pressure Monitoring System

EXTERIOR

Injection Molded Thermoplastic Olefin (TPO), Front & Rear Fascias, Injection Molded TPO Side Skirts & Door Cladding, Front Grille, Integrated Front Turn Signals, Rear Center Body Panel, Rear Spoiler & End Caps, S281 Supercharged Graphics & Identification, RF Red Saleen Windshield Graphic, RF Red Saleen Bumper Insert, RF Red Serialized Front Bumper, Serialized Engine Bay Plaque, Championship Wreath Graphic

INTERIOR

Leather Performance Driving Seats with Red Stitching, 6-Way Power Adjustable Driver’s Seat & Power Lumbar, 6-Gauge Instrument Cluster with 200 MPH Speedometer & MyColor Feature, Chrome Dash Vent Bezels, Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel with Badge, Leather Shift Boot with Red Stitching, Leather-Wrapped Billet Shift Knob & Short-Throw Shifter, Performance Driving Pedals with Driver Foot Brace, Serialized Dash Plaque, S281 Floor Mats & Aluminum Door Sill Plates, Saleen Key Fob, One-Touch Up/Down Power Windows, AM/FM/CD Sound System, Two Power Outlets, Variable-Speed Windshield Wipers, Air Conditioning, Rear Window Defroster, Dual Power Side-View Mirrors, Saleen/Eagle One Detail Kit, Owner’s Document Portfolio & Warranty Guide

SAFETY & SECURITY

Dual-Stage Airbags, Driver’s Seat Position Sensor, Crash Severity Sensor, Lower Anchors & Tethers for Children (Latch) Safety Seats, Remote Keyless & Illuminated Entry System 3-Point Safety Belts for All Seating Positions, Side-Impact Door Beams

In addition to a great new commemorative product, active military personnel (Army, Air Force, Marines, Navy, and Coast Guard) purchasing a new ‘06 or ‘07 Saleen from dealer inventory will recieve a $500 cash incentive and a 1 Day performance driving school training (or $1000 cash) to acquaint them with how to handle their new Saleen.

Shelby Mustang GT500 stars in I Am Legend

Beginning Dec. 14, look for a 2007 Shelby Mustang GT500 — in red with signature white stripes — to chew up the scenery and the streets of New York City in I Am Legend, starring Will Smith.

Robert Neville is a brilliant scientist, but even he could not contain the terrible virus that was unstoppable, incurable, and man-made. Somehow immune, Neville is now the last human survivor in what is left of New York City and maybe the world. For three years, Neville has faithfully sent out daily radio messages, desperate to find any other survivors who might be out there. But he is not alone...

A modern interpretation of the big-block Shelby Mustang of the late 1960s, the 2008 Shelby GT500 uses advanced engineering to attain the kind of performance that made it the original the “King of the Road.” True to its heritage, today’s GT500 is available both as a coupe and as a convertible.

The Ford Shelby GT500’s supercharged 5.4-liter, 32-valve V-8 evolves from Ford’s experience with expanding its modular engine family. Output is a brawny 500 horsepower.

Barrett Jackson Shelby Mustang GT

Three American automotive icons, Ford Motor Company, the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company and Shelby Automobiles, have collaborated to create collector car history with a limited edition 2008 Mustang Shelby GT. The companies today unveiled the 2008 Barrett-Jackson Shelby GT based on the Ford Mustang at the Arizona International Auto Show.

With an MSRP beginning at US$38,980.00, a total of 100 2008 Barrett-Jackson Shelby GTs, in both coupe and convertible body styles, will be sold through Arizona Region Ford dealers beginning today. The purchase price of each car will include a $250 donation to the Carroll Shelby Children’s Foundation

"The Arizona and Las Vegas Ford dealers have been strong supporters of mine over the years, which is why Shelby Automobiles joined with Barrett-Jackson and Ford Motor Company to create a limited edition car just for their customers," said Carroll Shelby, CEO of Shelby Automobiles. "And I’m pleased that a portion of the sales will benefit an endowment we’re building at the Carroll Shelby Children’s Foundation. This is a rare chance for enthusiasts to enjoy a very special car and support a great cause."

Ford is a strong supporter of Barrett-Jackson and has sponsored its Family Value Day that kicks off the automotive lifestyle week in Scottsdale. Family Value Day was designed to attract a new generation of car enthusiasts by offering discounted tickets for adults and admitting children under the age of 12 for free.

"Barrett-Jackson’s unrivaled lifestyle events celebrate America’s love of the automobile," said Ford Motor Company Phoenix Regional Sales Manager, Tim Stoehr. "Their passion for the automobile has resulted in a unique venue to share our vehicles with the public. This limited edition car symbolizes our high octane relationship and gives a few lucky people the chance to own a piece of the Barrett-Jackson experience."

Over the past 37 years, Barrett-Jackson has evolved from an auction primarily attended by dedicated collectors and dealers into a retail automotive lifestyle event that is broadcast live worldwide. Shelby Cobras, GT350s and GT500s have been among the most popular cars to cross the auction block.

"We have a long tradition of selling the best Shelbys in the world because they are among the most desirable cars ever built," said Craig Jackson, Chairman/CEO of the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company. "Over the past several years, we’ve worked with Ford Motor Company to raise almost a million and a half dollars for Carroll’s Foundation by offering new Shelby cars for sale. It was natural to celebrate our connection to these cars with a very limited edition Shelby."

From the black 18-inch wheels to the Shelby Cobra roadster hood scoop, the car is mean. The engine is upgraded with a Ford Racing package to pump out 319 horsepower and 330 lb.-ft. of torque through a high-flow exhaust system with X-pipe crossover. The Shelby GT comes standard with a five-speed manual transmission featuring a Hurst short-throw shifter; a five-speed automatic transmission is optional. The package includes a Ford Racing Handling Pack with special-tuned dampers, unique sway bars and a 3.55:1 ratio rear axle assembly. Overall ride height was dropped and a front strut-tower brace added.

"The Shelby GT was designed to deliver an exhilarating driving experience," said Amy Boylan, President of Shelby Automobiles. "In addition to the ’go faster goodies,’ each will receive special badges and equipment, as well as a photo of one of these cars signed by Carroll."

Unique features of the Barrett-Jackson edition will include:

• Black exterior with "Barrett-Jackson Red" LeMans Hood and Side Stripes
• Barrett Jackson Edition Door Sill Plates
• Black interior with the Shelby GT serial number plate
• Special Gas Cap Insert
• Autographed photo of Carroll Shelby, Craig Jackson, Amy Boylan and Steve Davis

"As someone who has been personally involved with Shelby cars for the past three decades, I’m very proud to be part of this limited edition car," noted Steve Davis, President of Barrett-Jackson. "Rarity and documentation are two of the keys to collectability, which is why only 100 2008 Barrett-Jackson Shelby GTs are scheduled to be built. Each car will come with complete documentation and be included in the factory authorized registry."

The 2008 Barrett-Jackson Shelby GT will be displayed at the Arizona International Auto Show from November 22-25.