MUSCLE CAR WARS REBORN AT BARRETT-JACKSON AUCTION
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – January 20, 2008 – A new generation of muscle cars took center stage last night when American automakers Ford, General Motors and Chrysler sold their latest performance vehicles at No Reserve and raised nearly $2 million for charities at the 37th Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event in Scottsdale, Ariz. The 2008 Ford Shelby GT500KR sold for $550,000, the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 for $1 million and 2008 Dodge Challenger for $400,000. The Challenger was purchased by Barrett-Jackson CEO/Chairman Craig Jackson, with all proceeds benefiting the Phoenix-based charity Not My Kid, Inc.
“The great American muscle cars are back,” said Jackson. “During the 1960s and early ’70s, Detroit demonstrated its stronghold on automotive performance and power with cars like these. We’re thrilled that Barrett-Jackson provided the stage for the rebirth of these amazing vehicles. When the new Challenger crossed the block, we decided it was a great opportunity for the Barrett-Jackson team to jump in and show our support for Not My Kid, a deserving local charity.”
Each manufacturer donated money from the sale of the cars to a designated charity. Ford donated the proceeds of the GT500KR to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation; GM donated a portion of the proceeds of the Corvette ZR1′s winning bid to United Way; and the proceeds from the new Challenger were donated to Not My Kid, Inc.
Among the stars present last night was “Tonight Show” host and avid car collector Jay Leno, who drove the Corvette ZR1 across the block. Automotive icon Carroll Shelby addressed the crowd during the sale of the GT500KR, along with “Grey’s Anatomy” star Patrick Dempsey.
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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