With rumors suggesting the mid-engined Corvette C8 won't be breaking cover in Detroit next month, the new 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 will surely steal the show for muscle car fans spotlight when the covers come off at the North American International Auto Show on January 14.
If you want to own the very first example rolling off the assembly line, however, you'll need to place a bid on it because VIN 001 of the 2020 Mustang Shelby GT500 will be crossing the auction block at the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona, on January 18 after its public debut. It's for a good cause too, because all proceeds will benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation's mission to find a cure for Type 1 diabetes.
"JDRF always needs more muscle to help kids fight diabetes, so we are donating one of our heavyweights – the very first 2020 Shelby GT500," said Joe Hinrichs, Ford president, Global Operations. "We have supported JDRF for many of its nearly 50 years, so we know there's no easy cure. That is why we are using our most iconic vehicles to help researchers find cures and help millions of children live better lives until that day arrives."
Edsel Ford II and Aaron Shelby will on the stage to build excitement for the car as it rolls across the block. The winning bidder will be the proud owner of the first ever production example of the 2020 Mustang Shelby GT500 and will be able to choose from all available colors and options. Deliveries won't start until fall 2019, however.
Power for the new GT500 is expected to be provided by a 5.2-liter supercharged V8 with over 700 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque on tap. Transmission options have yet to be confirmed though, with reports suggesting the new GT500 will only be sold with a dual-clutch gearbox with paddle shifters, while others claim a six-speed manual will also be on the options list. We're keeping our fingers crossed for the latter.