RM Auctions lifts gavel on two unique Ford Motor Company concept cars at its highly-anticipated Monterey sale, August 19 – 20 in California Proceeds from the sale of the two concepts to benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Blenheim, Ontario (August 4, 2011) – Continuing its relationship with the Ford Motor Company, RM Auctions, the world’s largest collector car auction house, will lift the gavel on two unique Ford concept cars when its highly-anticipated Monterey sale gets underway, August 19 in California. Offered on behalf of the Ford Motor Company, the striking pair of concepts – a sleek 2001 Ford Thunderbird […]
RM Auctions lifts gavel on two unique Ford Motor Company concept cars at its highly-anticipated Monterey sale, August 19 – 20 in California
Proceeds from the sale of the two concepts to benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
Blenheim, Ontario (August 4, 2011) – Continuing its relationship with the Ford Motor Company, RM Auctions, the world’s largest collector car auction house, will lift the gavel on two unique Ford concept cars when its highly-anticipated Monterey sale gets underway, August 19 in California.
Offered on behalf of the Ford Motor Company, the striking pair of concepts – a sleek 2001 Ford Thunderbird Sports Roadster Concept Car and a race-inspired 2005 Ford Shelby GR-1 Concept Platform – will be presented ‘without reserve’ at the upcoming Monterey sale, with proceeds benefiting the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).
To coincide with their offering, a small group of JDRF Youth Ambassadors will be on hand at the August 19 auction to witness the sale.
“We are honored to have been entrusted by Ford Motor Company to offer these two exceptional concepts at our Monterey sale, and delighted to once again support the work of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and its mission to find a cure for Juvenile Diabetes,” says Rob Myers, Chairman & Founder, RM Auctions. “Both concepts represent important American design statements and provide a very unique ownership opportunity for collectors.”
“JDRF values the continued support of our wonderful partners, Ford Motor Company and RM Auctions, through the auction of these two cars,” said Yvonne Miller, National Director of Corporate Development. “The dollars raised in this auction will allow JDRF to continue the critical research funding for type 1 diabetes.”
‘American Beauty’ – 2001 Ford Thunderbird Sports Roadster Concept Car*
Taking a variety of design and styling cues from the ‘Bullet Birds’ of the 1960s, the 2001 Ford Thunderbird Sports Roadster Concept Car was displayed at the 2001 North American International Auto Show to rave reviews. Resplendent in its vivid red with ‘ceramic’ white leather interior, this striking concept features a molded fiberglass tonneau that integrates the rear deck with the headrests. Its sleek look is completed by an integrated chrome hood scoop, along with large rounded headlamps and a chrome finished egg-crate design grille, reminiscent of T-Birds of the past. Described by Ford as an ‘American Beauty’, it is expected to fetch between $125,000 – $175,000 at RM’s upcoming Monterey sale.
“Few American automobiles are as iconic as the Ford Thunderbird,” Myers adds. “This striking concept melds the old with the new in striking fashion. It is truly a unique interpretation of a modern classic, worthy of close inspection.”
‘Performance Art’ – 2005 Ford Shelby GR-1 Concept Platform Model**
Unveiled at the 2004 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, the Ford Shelby GR-1 Concept pays homage to the 1964 Shelby Daytona Coupe and was intended to be a front-engine, two-seat, fastback supercar. Featuring a beautifully long hood that blends seamlessly with the teardrop-shaped cabin, it sits on elegant 12-spoke 19″ wheels inspired by the original ’64 Shelby. Magnificently presented in silver with blue racing stripes, the example on offer was unveiled as a fiberglass platform model prior to the 2005 North America International Auto Show debut of the polished aluminum, driving model. It is expected to achieve between $150,000 – $200,000 when it crosses the auction podium this month.
“The GR-1 Concept Platform Model is an extremely unique concept that features cutting-edge design while reflecting its important Shelby heritage,” Myers comments. “Originally unveiled at Pebble Beach in 2004, it is apt that it returns to the Monterey Peninsula this summer for auction.”
Ford Motor Company is a strong supporter of JDRF through its Ford Global Walk Team. Established in 1998, the Ford Global Walk Team has raised over $35 million since its inception through innovative employee leadership and the generosity of Ford’s partners, family and friends – including contributions from RM Auctions.
For further information and to view complete catalog descriptions and professional photography of these two important concepts, please visit www.rmauctions.com/fordconcepts.
Event details – RM Monterey
Sale dates:
August 19, 2011 6:30pm – 11:00pm PST
August 20, 2011 6:30pm – 11:00pm PST
Preview dates:
August 17, 2011 10:00am – 8:00pm PST
August 18, 2011 10:00am – 8:00pm PST
August 19, 2011 10:00am – 8:00pm PST
August 20, 2011 10:00am – 8:00pm PST
Location:
Portola Hotel & Spa and Monterey Conference Center
2 Portola Plaza, Monterey, CA 93940
Admission:
General admission is available for $40.00 per person for an event pass, which grants one person access to the preview days. An official auction catalog is available for an additional $120.00 US although it does not constitute admission to the auctions.
Bidder registration is $200 and includes an official auction catalog and admission for two to the preview, reception and auction.
For those interested in participating but unable to attend in person, RM offers a range of remote bidding options including absentee, Internet and telephone bidding. In addition, RM’s Monterey sale will stream live online at www.rmauctions.com to provide real-time coverage of the auction.
RM Auctions is the world’s largest auction house for investment-quality automobiles. With over three decades of experience in the collector car industry, RM’s vertically integrated range of services, from restoration to private treaty sales, auctions, estate planning and financial services, coupled with an expert team of car specialists and international footprint, provide an unsurpassed level of service to the global collector car market. RM proudly holds four of the top five all-time records for the most expensive motor cars sold at auction. RM’s restoration division has achieved unprecedented accolades earning “Best of Show” honors at the world’s top concours events, including an unmatched four wins at the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in the past 10 years. For further information, visit www.rmauctions.com, find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @rmauctions.
About JDRF
JDRF is a leader in setting the agenda for diabetes research worldwide, and is the largest charitable funder of and advocate for type 1 diabetes research. To sustain its ambitious mission, JDRF has built fundraising partnerships that span a wide range of industries. The mission of JDRF is to find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support of research. Since its founding in 1970 by parents of children with type 1 diabetes, JDRF has awarded more than $1.5 billion to diabetes research, including more than $107 million last year—a testament to the organization’s ability to adapt proven strategies from other sectors to fuel ongoing breakthroughs. More than 80 percent of JDRF’s expenditures directly support research and research-related education.
Ford Motor Company’s involvement with JDRF began in 1983. In 1998, Ford established the Ford Global Walk Team, an employee-driven JDRF fundraising team with Edsel B. Ford II as the Corporate Team Chair. Since its inception, over $35 million has been raised for JDRF through innovative employee leadership and the generosity of Ford’s partners, family and friends – including contributions from RM Auctions.
Media Information
Editor’s Note:
*2001 Ford Thunderbird Sports Roadster Concept Car – Please note that this vehicle is not DOT- or EPA- certified. It cannot be registered for highway use in the United States and is offered on a bill of sale only.
**2005 Ford Shelby GR-1 Concept Platform Model – As a Platform model, this car does not contain an engine, drivetrain or interior.