Unique Ford GT500KR Glassroof on Auction

ONE-OF-A-KIND 2008 FORD SHELBY GT500KR DRIVES EXCITEMENT AT BARRETT-JACKSON AUCTION ON SATURDAY

• Ford and Shelby Automobiles to auction one-off Shelby GT500KR featuring a full glass roof to benefit Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
• Ford Racing and Patrick Dempsey to auction off his No. 156 Ford Mustang FR500C, which the star raced in the Grand-Am KONI Challenge series

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 36 years,” said Craig Jackson, Chairman/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.