Mustangs at 2011 SEMA Show Photo Gallery

If you are a fan of the American Icon Ford Mustang the 2011 SEMA Show was the place to be. No shortage and no two alike a Mustang could be found at every turn. Enjoy the pics! Click on any image to enlarge. Special thanks to photgrapher Angel Torres for sharing his photos with LuxuryAutoDirect.com

2012 Ford Mustang GT Blue Angels Edition to be Auctioned Off

The engineering and design teams at Ford Motor Company have produced a truly unique “Blue Angels” edition 2012 Ford Mustang GT. This one-of-a-kind vehicle will be sold at the Gathering of Eagles charity auction July 28, during the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) 2011 AirVenture Oshkosh, the world’s greatest aviation celebration.

All proceeds from the car donation and sale will benefit the EAA Young Eagles organization, which has provided free introductory flights to more than 1.6 million young people since 1992 while also teaching the value of hard work, personal responsibility and enhanced math and science skills.

Ford is the exclusive automotive partner of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, held July 25-31 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wis.

“The precision, discipline and excitement that define the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels flight team are qualities we celebrate at Ford,” said Edsel B. Ford II, a member of Ford’s board of directors. “With this year’s beautiful ‘Blue Angels’ edition Mustang GT, we’ve captured those qualities and paired them with the innovation Ford design and engineering team members build into all of our vehicles. Through this project, we take great pride in continuing our support for EAA and the Young Eagles organization.”

The Ford “Blue Angels” Mustang pays tribute to 100 years of naval aviation, which will be celebrated all week at AirVenture 2011 as part of the show’s Tier 1 event status from the U.S. Navy tied to its yearlong Centennial of Naval Aviation festivities. The car will be on display inside the Ford Hangar throughout EAA AirVenture.

The exterior of Ford’s “Blue Angels” Mustang GT was inspired by the acclaimed naval aviation performance demonstration team and the F-18 Hornet aircraft it flies. The car’s custom rear spoiler’s vertical tailfins, the “screaming yellow” gloss accents, inclusion of the Blue Angels script and crest all are drawn from the Navy aircraft. The unique chrome blue paint, courtesy of Creations n’ Chrome, is unlike anything available on a production vehicle anywhere in the world.

With the Blue Angels crest stitched into its leather Recaro racing seats, the car’s interior also features offset stripes inspired by pilot flight suits.

Additional unique details of the “Blue Angels” Mustang include cluster graphics, performance gauges, navigation screen images, safety belt fabric, instrument panel appliqués, rear seat-delete and cross-brace, Blue Angels script in the illuminated sill plates and puddle lamps that project jet images when the doors open.

Under the hood, the “Blue Angels” Mustang is all performance with a Ford Racing supercharged 5.0-liter V8 engine producing 624 horsepower. The Ford Racing components also include a handling pack, performance exhaust and racetrack brakes.

Mustang Chief Designer Darrell Behmer, Design Manager Melvin Betancourt and Chief Nameplate Engineer Dave Pericak lead the design and engineering teams that developed the “Blue Angels” Mustang.

The Young Eagles Auction is part of the EAA Gathering of Eagles at the EAA AirVenture Museum. The Gathering of Eagles annually draws more than 1,000 aviation enthusiasts in support of Young Eagles and other EAA programs that inspire young people to become engineers, aviators, astronauts, scientists and innovators – the aviation pioneers of tomorrow.

“Ford is a longtime supporter of EAA and our mission to showcase the finest innovation and technology in flight,” said Tom Poberezny, EAA chairman/president and AirVenture chairman. “The high interest among aviators in the U.S. Navy and the ‘Blue Angels’ Mustang team will make this a very sought-after item and ensure EAA’s ability to do some amazing things for our future aviation enthusiasts.”

The “Blue Angels” edition joins three other one-of-a-kind Mustangs created by the Ford design and engineering teams for the EAA Young Eagles Auction in recent years, each generating excitement among aviation and automotive enthusiasts alike. Ford vehicles sold at auction during past EAA AirVenture events have collectively raised more than $1.3 million to support Young Eagles.

Other unique vehicles produced by Ford in support of EAA Young Eagles include the Mustang AV8R, with cues from the F-22 “Raptor,” which in 2008 helped introduce the glass-roof canopy and delivered a record auction contribution of $500,000. In 2009, Ford’s AV-X10 “Dearborn Doll” Mustang was crafted in honor of World War II aircraft. In 2010, two automotive icons – Carroll Shelby, formerly a U.S. Air Force flight instructor, and Jack Roush, a longtime P-51 pilot – collaborated for the first time to create the SR-71 “Blackbird” Mustang inspired by the legendary reconnaissance jet.

During EAA AirVenture, Ford also will offer attendees access to the latest advances in automobile technology at the Ford Hangar, as well as many of the industry’s most revered classics at the popular Cruisin’ Legends area on the grounds of Wittman Regional Airport. Ford activities include top-tier entertainment and interactive components that will add excitement for the hundreds of thousands of aviation fans in attendance.

To participate in the auction, candidates must prequalify by contacting Matt Miller in the EAA Development Office at (800) 236-1025 or by email, mmiller@eaa.org, by July 25. Visit www.AirVenture.org/gathering for more information.

To stay connected to all Ford EAA AirVenture news, connect with the Ford EAA AirVenture team on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/FordAirventure or visit http://www.FordAirventure.com.

For more information on EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2011, visit http://www.airventure.org/.

Source Ford Press Release via www.TailFinsandChrome.com

Ford Mustang Drifting Video at SEMA Show Test Track

Check out this awesome video we shot at the SEMS Show Test Track. The line was long for an opportunity to ride along with the Ford professional drivers but worth it for the lucky ones. The track is a definite crowd pleaser.

Rumor has it the drivers ran the whole day without so much of a scratch put on the Mustangs. Which is pretty impressive considering that last turn.

Forgiato Wheels Top 10 Cars of the Month

#10 Ford Mustang with 22″ Maglia

# 9  ’72 Chevelle SS w/ 24″ Linee

# 8  CL550 w/ 22″ Taglio

# 7  Porsche Panamera w/ 22″ Maglia

# 6  Mercedes E350 w/ 20″ Martellato

# 5  Audi R8 w/ 20″ Maglia

# 4  Porsche 997 Turbo w/ 20″ Piuma

# 3  Alfa Romeo 8c w/ 22″ Maglia

# 2  Mclaren SLR w/ 21″ and 22″ Martellato

# 1  Ferrari 599 w/ 22″ Maglia

Click here to visit Forgiato.com

(Source: Forgiato Wheels)

 

 

McCormick’s 48th Palm Springs Auction Results & Photo Gallery

Lot 118 1959 Austin Healey                                     $71,925

For the first time in many years conducting collector car auctions in sunny Palm Springs, California the McCormick family experienced a rainy, stormy Saturday from 6am throughout the evening. The gloomy skies did not dampen the sales or restrict the large crowd on hand.

Total Cars Across The Block                494

 Total Cars Sold                                     279

 Total Receipts                                       $4,817,295

 Some notable sales include:

Lot 127 1970 Plymouth Cuda 440                         $60,375

 

Lot 161 1968 Shelby GT500kr                                 $94,500

 

Lot 172 1976 Batmobile                                           $82,950

 

Lot 264 1971 Mercedes 3.5 Cab                               $105,000

 

Lot 406 1970 Boss 302 Mustang                            $73,500

Click Here for Complete Auction Results

(Source: McCormick Auction Press Release)

2011 Ford Shelby GT500 Full Photo Gallery

Ford’s Special Vehicle Team (SVT) engineers are taking high performance to a new level with the 2011 Ford Shelby GT500, resulting in a car that has an all-new aluminum-block engine, even better driving dynamics and handling, improved fuel economy and more horsepower than ever.

“The SVT team continues to push the performance standards of the Shelby to even higher levels and better refinement,” said Jost Capito, director of global performance vehicles and motorsports business development. “All the changes we made reflect a desire for even better handling and outstanding driving dynamics – from weight savings to improved balance.”

(Scroll Down Below Photo Gallery for Entire Press Release)

Weight savings, new technology headline all-new aluminum engine

The 2011 Shelby GT500 is powered by an all-new aluminum-block 5.4-liter supercharged V-8 engine, which produces 550 horsepower and 510 ft.-lb. of torque, a 10 horsepower increase versus the 2010 model. The engine also is 102 pounds lighter than its predecessor, delivering a better power-to-weight ratio, improved fuel economy, acceleration, handling and steering precision.

“Cutting weight to improve performance is a tradition among hot rodders,” said Carroll Shelby, founder of Shelby American. “It might not be as sexy as adding more horsepower or bigger brakes, but shaving pounds off of a car is the single smartest move you can make.”

The new engine uses state-of-the-art Plasma Transferred Wire Arc (PTWA) liner coating, a process that applies a 150-micron composite coating that contains nanoparticles on the internal surfaces of engine cylinder bores, replacing cast-iron liners typically used in aluminum engine blocks. The Intellectual Property Owners Education Foundation honored the inventors of the Ford-patented PTWA technology with the 2009 National Inventor of the Year Award.

This is the first Ford application of the technology, and it offers improved overall performance and durability, along with functional benefits of reduced friction between piston rings and cylinder bores, improved heat transfer due to increased surface contact area and a weight savings of 8.5 pounds compared to a typical steel-sleeved aluminum block. A mechanical roughening process provides higher material adhesion for the spray coating.

The PTWA process uses air and electricity to create a plasma jet of 35,000 degrees Fahrenheit, which melts a steel wire that is fed into a rotating spray gun. Using atomized air, the melted steel wire is blown into a specially machined surface of the aluminum-block engine cylinder bore. In the process of melting and applying the metal to the surface, the steel wire oxidizes, creating a composite coating consisting of both iron and iron oxide.

“Ford’s Global Research and Advanced Engineering looks to all industries for advanced technologies – and this comes from aerospace. It’s the same technology you would find on aircraft engines,” said Glenn Jorgensen, SVT powertrain team leader. “We’ve invented a coating as a replacement for cast iron that delivers improvements in power and performance and fuel economy.”

The new engine also has its roots in the iconic Ford GT. The new 5.4-liter engine is an evolution of the GT engine, with improved block structure through the use of a unique bulkhead chilled process and six-bolt billet main bearing caps. This new advanced engine will exceed Ford GT performance with its traditional supercharger technology.

“The Ford GT has solidified itself as one of the world’s most coveted supercars. To make improvements to the engine from this supercar and make it available in a Mustang is impressive,” said Kerry Baldori, SVT global performance vehicle chief functional engineer. “The aluminum-block engine is robust and strong enough to produce the performance numbers and durability our customers demand.”

Increased power and increased fuel economy

The 2011 Shelby GT500 combines power and fuel economy into one impressive package. This 2011 Shelby GT500 will be the first modern Shelby without the gas guzzler tax, thanks to the EPA-projected 23 mpg highway and 15 mpg city it will deliver. This is up from 22 mpg highway and 14 mpg city for the 2010 model.

The 5.4-liter V-8 achieves 80 percent of its torque between 1,750 and 6,250 rpm, giving the car a higher level of performance feel. A larger two-row intercooler for the supercharger system has 40 percent more cooling capacity, helping to make power more consistent in higher ambient conditions.

Fuel economy gains come from the new 102-pound-lighter aluminum-block engine, EPAS and detailed aerodynamic changes to the underside of the vehicle.

Dramatic performance upgrades

New for 2011 is an SVT Performance Package for enthusiasts who want even more performance out of their Shelby GT500 for racetrack-ready driving dynamics. Complete with all-new Goodyear Eagle® F1 SuperCar G: 2 tires that SVT engineers worked directly with Goodyear to develop, the car is ready to race. The tires offer superb dry traction and precise handling, complete with a race-inspired high-performance tread compound.

The optional package also offers unique styling, lighter wheels, a higher rear axle ratio and stiffer springs, and it is available on both the convertible and coupe. Data show the 2011 coupe with the SVT Performance Package is 3.0 seconds faster per lap than the 2010 Shelby GT500 on a 2.3-mile test track.

Carried over from 2010, the 2011 Shelby GT500 features AdvanceTrac®, Ford’s stability control system with several options for performance. Calibration of the system for the 2011 Shelby has been uniquely tailored to each vehicle configuration (base or optional) to optimize the performance.

SVT has worked very hard to make EPAS better than the outgoing hydraulic steering system. The addition of EPAS makes for a dramatic contribution to Shelby GT500 driving dynamics, with improved torque build-up and road feel that delivers quicker and more precise steering, increased effort on the racetrack or winding roads, and reduced effort in low-speed parking maneuvers.

Slotted brake dust shields were added to improve brake cooling and handling, and a new pedal box improves clutch and pedal efforts even more. A lowered ride height of 11 millimeters in front and 8 millimeters at the rear provides a sportier attitude and improved handling.

More engine sound, less road noise

For 2011, Shelby GT500 also benefits from NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) improvements. Overall road noise is reduced by 20 percent versus the 2010 Shelby. Actions undertaken to achieve this improvement include additional sound-deadening material on either side of the instrument panel, additional sound absorption behind interior trim panels, and a rear wheel arch liner to reduce noise on gravel or wet surfaces – all resulting in the driver hearing more exhaust and engine sound and less road and air noise.

The Shelby GT500 convertible model features enhanced structural rigidity, with lateral stiffness improved by 12 percent versus the 2010 model. The V-brace has been stiffened by adding gussets. The secondary crossmember also has been stiffened, while a front Z-brace has been added, connecting primary and secondary crossmembers. A-pillar stiffening foam has been added to increase rigidity.

The structural improvements to the convertible gave SVT the opportunity to be more sport-oriented in the chassis tuning, without trading comfort. Along with the chassis and structural improvements, the 2011 model also will get standard 19-inch aluminum wheels.

“One of the biggest changes for this Shelby is that the convertible acts and feels like a coupe,” said Jamal Hameedi, SVT chief nameplate engineer. “Before, they had a very different character, and the convertible is taking a big step in the sportiness and handling precision area, without degrading the ride.”

GT500 gets a new exhaust for 2011, roaring with an even more aggressive sound than the 2010 model. The 2.75-inch exhaust with all-new tuning helped to deliver the additional 10 horsepower.

Added convenience content

New for 2011 is an optional glass roof, providing customers with a less expensive option than a convertible and without compromising the coupe’s versatility, headroom or climate-controlled environment.

The specially formulated glass also protects interior fabric material from solar radiation deterioration and discoloration by reducing solar light transmittance. To help improve acoustics and interior quietness, the glass features a layer of vinyl that reduces noise, vibration and harshness.

Other new convenience technologies include:

– Standard HID (high-intensity discharge) headlamps
– MyKey™ programmable vehicle key
– Integrated spotter mirror
– Fold-down rear headrests

“Whether you’re looking to take the GT500 out on the streets or have some fun at the track,” Capito says, “this car will satisfy the most discriminating performance driving enthusiasts.”

(Source: Ford Press Release)

Photo Gallery of Top 10 Sold at 2010 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction and Number 1 wasn’t a Car

#10-1967 FORD MUSTANG CUSTOM FASTBACK – $253,000 (Lot #1287)

The Barrett-Jackson Auction Company recorded more than $68 million in total sales during the 39^th Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in Scottsdale last week.  The total is an 11 percent increase from Scottsdale 2009.  Top sellers included a 1929 Hamilton Metalplane H-47 for $671,000 and a 1964 Shelby Cobra that brought $478,500.  Hailed as “The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions™,” the 2010 Scottsdale event featured nearly 1,200 collector vehicles all for sale at No Reserve and nearly 40 hours of live, high-definition TV coverage on SPEED. 

 The weather in Arizona had little impact on the auction, as no cars were damaged and all vehicles crossed the block as scheduled.  Despite the inclement weather of significant rain and wind and the associated challenges, more than 180,000 people braved the elements to attend the automotive lifestyle event. 

 “Even with the worst weather the Phoenix area has seen in decades, buyers, sellers and visitors from across the country enjoyed another incredible Scottsdale event,” said Craig Jackson, Chairman/CEO of Barrett-Jackson.  “With an 11 percent increase in sales, we showed that buyers have confidence in the market and are choosing Barrett-Jackson as the source to add to their collections.  What a great way to start the 2010 auction season.”

 “Barrett-Jackson remains the heartbeat and bellwether of car collecting,” noted Steve Davis, President of Barrett-Jackson.  “From events like our downtown city of Scottsdale Road Rally and Ford Family Value Day benefiting Cox Charities to on-site ride and drives and various exhibitors, people come here to celebrate the automotive culture and the passion of the hobby.  But most of all, they love Barrett-Jackson because it’s all about the cars.  And with nearly 1,200 vehicles all selling at No Reserve, this year’s docket was our best ever.”

New bidders continue to make Barrett-Jackson their launching pad, with 40 percent of them first timers.  The consignor pool continues to have fresh faces, as 35 percent were selling at Barrett-Jackson for the first time.

 “The influx of new buyers and consignors at our events is why there is such a diverse mixture of cars at Barrett-Jackson,” explained Davis.  “Our top ten list includes a blend of classics, muscle cars, customs, new model year collector cars, Cobras and even an airplane.”

 Away from the auction block, the Barrett-Jackson lifestyle experience in Scottsdale was stronger than ever.  Sponsors Ford and General Motors hosted their popular ride and drives, while The Garage at Barrett-Jackson™ sponsored by Stone Rose Lounge provided an exclusive setting with drinks and music for attendees.  The evenings found The Garage at Barrett-Jackson packed with late night revelers enjoying this on-site hot spot.  It was also the venue for fashion shows, which have become a popular segment of the Barrett-Jackson event.  Auction goers were also treated to collector car seminars, health screenings, cooking demonstrations inside the Scottsdale Fairmont Lifestyle Pavilion and celebrity appearances by Lee Iacocca, Carroll Shelby and Jordin Sparks, among others.

 

#9-1970 FORD MUSTANG BOSS 429 FASTBACK – $275,000 (Lot #1283.1)

#8-2008 FORD MUSTANG FR500S FASTBACK RACECAR – $275,000 (Lot #1027)

#7-1952 WATSON ROADSTER CUSTOM BY BLASTOLENE – $280,500 (Lot #1292)

#6-1970 PLYMOUTH HEMI SUPERBIRD 2 DOOR HARDTOP – $286,000 (Lot #1289)

#5-2011 FORD MUSTANG GT GLASS ROOF COUPE – $300,000 (Lot #1295.1)

#4-1935 CADILLAC SERIES 40 FLEETWOOD IMPERIAL CONVERTIBLE – $302,500 (Lot #1265)

#3-1963 SHELBY COBRA ROADSTER – $401,500 (Lot #1303)

#2-1964 SHELBY COBRA ROADSTER – $478,500 (Lot #1317)

#1-1929 HAMILTON METALPLANE H47 SERIAL #65 AIRPLANE – $671,000

(Lot #1307)

Source: Barrett-Jackson Press Release

IACOCCA SILVER 45TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION FORD MUSTANG TO BE SOLD AT NO RESERVE AT BARRETT-JACKSON LAS VEGAS

This is a follow up to a story LuxuryAutoDirect.com released in August when the Iacocca 45th Anniversary Mustang debuted at Galpin Motors.

One of the most anticipated limited edition versions of the renowned Ford Mustang will be sold at No Reserve to celebrate the pony car’s 45th anniversary during the 2nd Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in Las Vegas Oct. 7-10, 2009. The No. 5 Iacocca Silver 45th Anniversary Edition Ford Mustang is one of only 45 to be built and is specially equipped with a 550 horsepower engine; as one of the featured cars, the Mustang will cross the auction block at approximately 6:30 p.m. PDT on Friday, Oct. 9. The 2009 Las Vegas event will take place at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino and feature approximately 400 collector vehicles for sale, posh lifestyle events and live, high-definition TV coverage from SPEED.

Known as the “Father of the Mustang,” Iacocca presented the Ford Mustang to the world during a dramatic press conference at the 1964 New York World’s Fair. During his time as Ford Division president and general manager, Iacocca made the Mustang a household name. He even tapped veteran racer Carroll Shelby to build special high performance versions of the car. A video from Iacocca to the crowd will air before the car is sold on Oct. 9.

“This is a stunning modern-day muscle car from the visionary who started it all,” said Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “It’s hard to imagine where collector car enthusiasts would be if Lee Iacocca hadn’t championed the Ford Mustang project 45 years ago. Now, he has teamed up with some of the top automotive talent in the world to produce the 45th Anniversary model. It’s an instant collectible.”

Nearly two years in the making, the Iacocca Silver Edition Mustang is a collaborative effort by Iacocca, designer Michael Leone, and Gaffoglio Family Metalcrafters. The new business venture is called I Legacy. The Mustangs are being offered exclusively through Galpin Ford in Southern California.

“It has been the most amazing time of my life, working with Mr. Iacocca on this car,” said Leone. “This 45th Anniversary Edition Mustang is a rare, complex, elegant and extraordinary piece of moving artwork. With innovative technology, the visual impact of its fastback design and expert craftsmanship, it is truly exceptional in every way; the only car that can bear the Iacocca name on it. We couldn’t be prouder to have the number five car crossing the auction block at Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas.”

Each of the 45 limited edition Mustangs is custom built by a team of talented artists using composite construction laminates, a reinforced material from the aerospace industry. The hand-crafted vehicles, all painted in a specially created Iacocca silver hue, are fabricated using the finest tooling, with each part separately cured in an autoclave.

The Iacocca-designed hood crest is custom built by a distinguished jeweler and every emblem is hand-finished and polished. Front and rear wheels are cast aluminum and chrome plated for a sheen-like finish and the center caps are machined and also chrome plated.

While the exterior fastback design of the Iacocca Silver Mustang is compelling, the mechanical underpinnings are true American muscle. The No. 5 Iacocca Mustang was specially equipped with a 550 horsepower engine featuring a Ford Racing polished Supercharger that includes dyno sheets and other documentation. The driver can harness the extra power through a quick-shifting 5-speed manual transmission.

Inside the Iacocca Silver Mustang, the interior is resplendent with luxurious touches that highlight the car’s special heritage. These include Iacocca Diamond Design leather seats with embroidery stitching, an Iacocca signature dash plaque with serial number, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with “I” badge and Iacocca-badged aluminum door sill plates.

“The most appealing aspect of the Iacocca Mustang is its sleek appearance,” added Davis. “Each line is clean, very sharp and seems to flow endlessly with the car. And the custom silver color is extremely bold, which embodies the spirit of the Mustang.”

When it crosses the block at No Reserve in Las Vegas, the Iacocca Silver Mustang will join a famous group of Mustangs sold at Barrett-Jackson.

“From first production Ford and Shelby models to one-owner classics, we’ve sold just about every Mustang possible at Barrett-Jackson,” continued Davis. “There’s a passion and aura surrounding the Mustang brand that is like no other, and it shows when one crosses our auction block. The energy will be through the roof when the Iacocca Mustang is sold in Las Vegas.”

About The Barrett-Jackson Auction Company

Established in 1971 and headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Barrett-Jackson specializes in providing products and services to classic and collector car owners, astute collectors and automotive enthusiasts around the world. The company produces “The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions™” in Scottsdale, Palm Beach, Fla. and Las Vegas. Barrett-Jackson also endorses a one-of-a-kind collector car insurance offering for collector vehicles and other valued belongings. For more information about Barrett-Jackson, visit www.barrett-jackson.com or call (480) 421-6694.

Lee Iacocca Raises the Curtain on his Signature Commemorative Mustang

On the evening of August5, Los Angeles dealership Galpin Motors hosted an exclusive cocktail party centered upon the unveiling of a new signature series Mustang bearing Lee Iacocca’s name and commemorating the automotive icon’s involvement with the original pony car 45 years ago.  The aptly named Iacocca Silver 45^th Anniversary Edition Ford Mustang features unique fastback coachwork built by the Gaffoglio Family’s Metalcrafters, and a 4.6 liter V-8 that when blown with an optional supercharger produces 400 BHP.  Only 45 examples of the signature car will be produced, rarity that should ensure a degree of provenance unmatched by other numerous premium Mustangs.  Michael Leone’s attractive design visually reworks typical Mustang cues, resulting in a package that appears decidedly more cabin central, with a shorter front hood and longer fastback tail.  The Iacocca Silver also features an unusually sophisticated interior highlighted by diamond stitched leather seats, and a peppering of unique Iacocca badges.

 Members of the Gaffaglio family, Leone, and Lee Iacocca himself were all on hand Thursday evening to celebrate the unveiling.  Leone, who described Iacocca as his friend and mentor stated, “This car is not just about a nameplate, this car is really about the culmination of his life.”

 Iacocca, who took the stage to thunderous applause, made a handful of casual remarks, describing his namesake model as “a truly exceptional car in every way.”  He concluded by saying, “This is America, where dreams are possible, and opportunity is alive and well.  We wanted to bring a little sunshine into these trying times and remind people that the early automobile industry was based on fun and exciting cars.”  Almost immediately after the curtain was lifted, ownership of the first production model was auctioned for an eventual selling price of $125,000, a pricetag that also entitles the winning bidder to a dinner date with the man of the hour.  The supercharged version of the Iacocca Silver Edition will retail for about $105,000.  

 For more info see www.ilegacy.com

Photography by Joey Julius, NGEN Media

BARRETT-JACKSON & SHELBY AUTOS TO AUCTION THE 800 HP PRUDHOMME EDITION GT500 SUPER SNAKE CONCEPT CAR

Two American racing legends, Carroll Shelby and Don “The Snake” Prudhomme, will be on stage when Barrett-Jackson Auction Company and Shelby Automobiles, a wholly owned subsidiary of Carroll Shelby International Inc. (CSBI.PK), sell the original concept car for the Prudhomme Edition Super Snake Shelby GT500 Mustang on Oct. 9, 2009. The rare Shelby concept car will be sold at No Reserve during Barrett-Jackson’s second annual Las Vegas Collector Car Auction, taking place Oct. 7-10, at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. 

 “Concept cars and prototypes are sought by collectors because they represent a historical milestone and so few are offered to the public,” said Barrett-Jackson Chairman/CEO Craig Jackson. “Barrett-Jackson has become the premier venue for these types of vehicles. This is the first time that Shelby Autos has sold one of its concept cars at auction and we’re pleased that Carroll and Don plan to be on stage for such an important occasion.”

 Racing legends Carroll Shelby and Don Prudhomme joined forces to build the ultimate street legal dragster. Shelby is the only man to ever win the 24 hours of Le Mans as a driver, team owner and manufacturer and was twice named “Sports Car Illustrated’s” Driver of the Year. Prudhomme’s successful racing career included winning the NHRA funny car championship four times and he was the first funny car driver to exceed 250 mph. 

 “Don Prudhomme is one fast son of a gun who knows how to burn up the quarter mile,” stated Carroll Shelby. “In 1968, he drove a Shelby Super Snake dragster in NHRA for me. Last year, we decided to build a car together for grassroots racers who want a Shelby for the drags.  This is the concept for that program and it’s a very fast car.”

 Shelby Automobiles announced its limited edition Prudhomme Edition Super Snake package for the GT500 Mustang at the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum in Pomona, Calif., earlier this year. 

 “In the 1960s, Shelbys ruled the road courses and terrorized the drag strip,” noted Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “This car was built in the same spirit as the Cobra ‘Dragon Snake’ that made Shelby a feared name on the quarter mile. The Prudhomme Edition concept is a real piece of history and a very exclusive car.”

 The Prudhomme Edition Super Snake is powered by a 5.4-liter, supercharged engine that produces 800 hp on race fuel or 750 hp on 93 octane pump gas. Only 100 total Prudhomme Super Snake post-title packages are being offered by Shelby Autos to current GT500 owners. The package features:

·         A Kenne Belle supercharger and modified air intake sticking out of the hood in the tilt front end

·         Five-point impact safety harness and roll bar

·         Borla side exhaust system

·         A front and rear adjustable BMR racing suspension and drag tires

·         Lower side rockers

 “I’ve really enjoyed working with Carroll and the Shelby Autos team on this program,” added Prudhomme. “When I was a kid, we’d drive our cars to the drag strip, race them and drive back home.  We designed this car to do the same thing, and do it very, very well.”

 According to Shelby Autos president Amy Boylan, “This Shelby is truly special. While most concept cars can’t be driven, this one is street legal and can be enjoyed on the road. That makes it a rare Shelby and concept vehicle.”

 In addition to the live auction, attendees can review the impressive vehicles for sale, enjoy exhibitors offering an array of merchandise and play the Barrett-Jackson slot machines for a chance to win a new car. For those who can’t attend, SPEED will provide live, high-definition TV coverage of all auction days.