Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction To Reignite The “Detroit 3″ Muscle Car Wars
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – January 11, 2008 - The “Detroit 3″ automakers will unleash their biggest weapons in a bid for high-octane supremacy at the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company’s 37th Annual Collector Car Event on Jan. 12-20, 2008, in Scottsdale, Ariz. General Motors, Ford and Chrysler will each auction their most powerful, most prestigious new performance car for charity during the “The World’s Greatest Collector Car Events™” on Saturday, Jan. 19. The first 2009 Corvette ZR-1, 2008 Dodge Challenger and a one-off 2008 Ford Shelby GT500KR will be offered at No Reserve along with over 1100 of the world’s top collector vehicles. SPEED will broadcast live during all six auction days.
“These American automakers chose the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction to launch their most important cars because we offer the ultimate stage to engage the most passionate consumers,” said Craig Jackson, Chairman/CEO of the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company. “Our events have become the epicenter of the automotive lifestyle world, attracting manufacturers ranging from the domestic giants to high profile automakers like Bentley, Honda and Mercedes.”
The vehicles poised to launch the most heated muscle car battle since the late 1960s are the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 badge No. 1 (Lot #1331), the “First Retail Order Produced” 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 (Lot #1316) and a special one-of-one 2008 Ford Shelby GT500KR (Lot #1300). The Challenger’s winning bid will benefit Not My Kid, Inc., the Shelby’s proceeds will go to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and the proceeds from the Corvette sale will go to United Way.
“The rebirth of the Challenger and GT500KR, as well as the spectacular new ZR-1 mark the beginning of a glorious new muscle car era,” noted Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “People will be able to say ‘I was there’ at Barrett-Jackson when America’s modern muscle car era began. While only three people will take home an incredible piece of history, anyone who attends this celebration of the automobile will share in a very special milestone. Thanks to our partners at GM, Ford and Chrysler, we’ll give these cars the ultimate welcome party and raise money for three worthy charities.”
One of the most anticipated cars in history, Chevrolet will auction the “First Retail Order Produced” Corvette ZR-1. The stunning blue Corvette will cross the Barrett-Jackson block on Saturday, Jan. 19, just one week after a silver ZR1 is debuted at the GM Style event on Jan. 12 in Detroit. The new Corvette ZR1 features a six speed manual transmission, carbon fiber body components and a 620 horsepower supercharged V8. The most capable factory Corvette ever built, it easily surpasses the performance of the legendary L88/L89 big block cars from the 1960s.
“We’re pleased to offer the ultimate American dream car at Barrett-Jackson, the ultimate American collector car event,” said Ed Peper, Chevrolet General Manager. “This association is very positive for both companies and offers us an opportunity to reach the most passionate auto enthusiasts in the world. Best of all, we’ll be able to raise money for United Way, which makes the sale of the ZR1 even more meaningful.”
Ford Motor Company and Shelby Automobiles have partnered to bring back the Ford Shelby GT500KR. The 540-horsepower “King of the Road” pony car is based on the most powerful factory-built Mustang ever produced. This one-of-a-kind ebony GT500KR features a glass roof that will be offered on the 2009 Mustang and racing stripes that continue over the roof; the stripes are etched directly into the glass roof. Carroll Shelby is scheduled to be on stage to hand the car keys to its new owner.
“The Shelby GT500KR will make its auction debut in what promises to be a lifetime worth of bidding, collecting and coveting at 2008 Barrett-Jackson,” stated Robert Parker, car marketing manager for Ford Motor Company. “Approximately 1,000 total 2008 coupes are scheduled to be built at Shelby’s facility in Las Vegas and arrive in dealerships this summer. We’re very proud of this car and that proceeds from this auction will benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, whose mission is to find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support of type 1 (juvenile) diabetes research.”
The all-new 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 will make its worldwide debut at the Chicago Auto Show on Feb. 6, 2008. Chrysler chose to sell the first production Limited Edition 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 to come off the assembly line at the Barrett-Jackson Auction. The No. 1 Challenger includes a 6.1 Liter HEMI V8 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission with AutoStick, sunroof and navigation system. It will be identified by a dash plaque indicating No. 1 of the Limited Edition production.
In addition to receiving the rights to the first production Challenger, the winning bidder will receive two VIP passes to the May 2008 Dodge Challenger 500 NASCAR race at Darlington Raceway complete with airfare and lodging, and a meet and greet with Kyle Petty. The vehicle will be delivered to the Dodge Dealer of choice in the United States no later than May 31, 2008.
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 Events™” in Scottsdale, Palm Beach, Fla. and Las Vegas. For more information about Barrett-Jackson, visit www.barrett-jackson.com or call (480) 421-6694.
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