Two big symbols of the automotive world in January are the Consumer Electronics Show and the charity auction, which brings in huge sums of money at Barrett-Jackson’s annual Arizona event. Some of the big models include the first fifth-generation Toyota Supra VIN 001 crossing the block in Biltmore, Arizona in 2019, followed by the first production C8 Chevy Corvette in 2020, followed by the first cast GMC Hummer in 2021 EV, Corvette sent another one that debuted last year was the Z06 VIN 001. Those four alone took home $11.7 million for various causes, much more; Barrett-Jackson has as many as 10 cars a year for the entire charity. Now it’s Ford’s turn to do it again, with Barrett-Jackson auctioning off VIN 001 of the fastback 2024 Mustang GT, number 3004, at this month’s event.
The winning bidder for the build slot can choose the 2024 Ford Mustang specification as they wish, from color and stripes to every non-conflicting interior option package. Our guess is that the first pony car to roll off the line will at least feature an Active Valve Performance exhaust that boosts output from the stock GT’s 5.0-liter Coyote V8 from 480 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque to 486 horsepower and 418 pound-feet -foot. However, if the new dark horse doesn’t lead the way with its 500 hp and 418 lb-ft, we’d consider it a missed opportunity.
More than 100 percent of the sale price of the Mustang will be used to fund the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. This year marks the return of a high-priced Mustang after a four-year absence. In 2019, Ford donated the first 2020 Shelby Mustang GT500, which Barrett-Jackson Chairman and CEO Craig Barrett purchased for $1.1 million. Before that, a Shelby GT350R drove over the Arizona podium in 2015, leaving $1 million behind. The 2022 Ford Shelby GT500 Heritage Edition made another $1 million last year, but not at the January event.
This one doesn’t have a pre-sale estimate because the philanthropy distorts the estimate. However, since this is a standard Mustang and not a Shelby, we usually expect to make closer to $300,000 when VIN 001 of the 2018 resurrected 2019 Mustang Bullitt crosses the block. But the 2022 Toyota Tundra Capstone VIN 001 made $700,000 last year, which is hard to say.
If you’d like to bid, the auction house expects bidding on the lot on Saturday, January 28 at approximately 7:30pm Mountain Time. In case you missed it, there are several other Mustangs to choose from, or you can buy the world’s only turbo-powered Batmobile from the 1989 Tim Burton movie and really immerse yourself in retail therapy.
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