ALL-NEW SHELBY GT350 MUSTANG WILL BE AUCTIONED AT BARRETT-JACKSON SCOTTSDALE TO BENEFIT JDRF
For announced recently that the first publicly available all-new Shelby GT350 Mustang will be auctioned at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale to benefit JDRF. The auction will air live on Velocity on Saturday, January 17, 2015. Auto enthusiasts can't discount the attention garnered by big auctions and Barrett-Jackson seems to lead the way with exciting and informative coverage of the cars and trucks. Ford, Dodge and GM, plus many custom car builders, have teamed with Barrett-Jackson to auction vehicles for charity—now Ford has stepped up as all the proceeds from the GT350 sale will benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). According to Ford, the winning bidder can select from available colors and packages for the all-new 500-plus horsepower Shelby GT350.
“JDRF is privileged to work with Ford, and we are extremely grateful for the generous support from Ford and its employees through the years,” said John Brady, JDRF chairman, international board of directors. “We are honored to be part of the company’s 50-year celebration of the Shelby GT350 at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale. This very exciting and worthwhile event means a great deal to not only JDRF and the type 1 community, but to me personally as well. We are dedicated to continue our work and to share our vision of creating a world without type 1 diabetes.”
“Ford and Barrett-Jackson have raised millions of dollars to benefit local and national charities for many years,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson Auctions. “The auction of the new Shelby GT350 promises to be electrifying, while helping raise necessary funding for JDRF.”
The Shelby GT350, which is listed as lot number 3008, will sell at No Reserve! Astute viewers and enthusiasts have seen older Shelby Mustangs go deep into six-figures and we’re speculating this one could top $500,000. Owning this particular Shelby GT350 could potentially mean the world to the right collector, and we expect the action to be hot as bidder’s assistants flag the auctioneer during this one.
Those attending the auction should take advantage of the Ford-sponsored ride-and-drives during the auction will feature a full lineup of 2015 vehicles.
The very first Shelby GT350 was produced in January 1964, when Carroll Shelby and Ford Motor Company. Shelby Mustangs were offered through Ford dealers from 1965 through 1970. As most of you know, Shelby Mustangs, both old and new, are among the most collectible vehicles in the world. Thankfully, Ford has continued Carroll Shelby’s legacy by building this all-new Shelby GT350. With a high-revving 500-plus horsepower V8, strikingly handsome looks and world-class handling and braking, Ford is sure to create the next piece of history. In fact, Dave Pericak, who was the lead engineer on the 2015 Mustang and is now the Director of Global Performance at Ford, stated this will be the most track-capable Mustang ever.
Ford increased the displacement from 5.0 to 5.2-liters, and installed a flat-plane crankshaft and improved the cylinder heads and induction. We’re guessing output to top 520 horsepower and a torque to rise over 400 lb.-ft.—making it the most powerful naturally aspirated Ford production engine ever.
Other features include, extra-stiff 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, and state-of-the-art Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires with GT350-specific sidewall construction, and a tread and compound designed for maximum grip. A standard Ford-tuned Torsen limited-slip differential optimizes cornering grip and straight-line traction. Carefully sculpted body panels maximize aerodynamic forces.
With all that speed, you’ve got to stop and the GT350 packs what Ford is calling “the most track-worthy brake system ever offered on a Ford vehicle in terms of absolute stopping power and fade resistance.” Massive 394-millimeter rotors reside up front and are clamped by Brembo six-piston calipers, while 380-millimeter rotors at the rear use four-piston calipers. Of course, it might only be the best track Mustang for a short while—as we’re expecting a Shelby GT350R to be announced in a month or so. What features will that have—stay tuned to Brothers Performance blog to find out soon.
“The all-new Shelby GT350 is a thrilling, world-class car,” said Steve Ling, North America car marketing manager for Ford. “From the all-new independent suspension – a first for a Shelby, to the powerful engine and superb brakes, this car is simply amazing. Just as the Shelby GT350 did in 1965, we expect this new-generation pony car to demonstrate Ford Motor Company continues to lead the world in innovation and performance.” Adding to the hoopla, Ford stated that the design and development team of the Shelby GT350 will sign the car in appreciation of the donations to JDRF. Ford has supported JDRF since 1983.
“We took the best Ford Mustang yet and massaged every aspect of the car that affects the performance driving experience,” said Jamal Hameedi, chief engineer, Ford Global Performance Vehicles. “We tested endlessly on the most challenging roads and tracks in the world, and we believe serious drivers will love the Shelby GT350 Mustang.”
Barrett-Jackson’s Scottsdale Auction is less than a month away, so it’s not to late to check it out. Ford stated it will have its 2015 vehicle lineup on hand, including the new Mustang, Expedition and F-150 for ride-and-drives. We also learned the Shelby American-built GT500 Super Snake and Shelby Focus ST will be offered for a hot laps experience with professional drivers from Miller Motorsports Park.
