Mustang Shelby GT500

Make
Ford
Segment
Coupe

As we reported last month, the very first 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 has been put up for auction with all proceeds being donated to charity. And now the Barrett-Jackson auction house has reported that vehicle has been sold for an impressive $1.1 million, all of which will be sent to JDRF, the leading global organization that funds type 1 diabetes research for children. And who placed the winning bid? That would be the CEO and chairman of Barrett-Jackson himself, Craig Jackson.

The auction took place this past Friday, January 18 in Scottsdale, Arizona. With over 700 hp, the new Shelby GT500 is powered by a hand-built supercharged 5.2-liter V8. Although exact specs are not yet available, Ford claims it's capable of a 0-60 mph in the mid-three-second range and will do the quarter-mile in less than 11 seconds.

Needless to say, the first GT500 to roll off the production line is an instant collectible. The winning bidder, in this case Mr. Jackson, will be able to spec VIN 001 to his desire, but Ford did release a couple of pictures of another one, which appears to be painted in the new Twister Orange, crossing the auction block.

"The chance to become the owner of the first 2020 Ford Shelby GT500 cars is an opportunity of a lifetime," said Joe Hinrichs, Ford president of global operations. "More importantly, being involved in helping to raise much-needed funds and awareness for JDRF is a big win for everyone." And because this was quite the occasion, a couple of famous heirs were present for the auction.

Edsel B. Ford II and Aaron Shelby, grandson of the one and only Carroll Shelby, accompanied the beastly muscle car onto the block. "For 35 years, Ford Motor Company has fueled the efforts of JDRF researchers to find a cure, while helping millions of children enjoy better lives," said Edsel B. Ford II. "The proceeds from this car will add to the more than $3.5 million Ford contributes to JDRF annually, for a total of $70 million donated during our long-time partnership."

Regular series production of the 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 will get underway later this year.