The automotive community is known for giving back, as demonstrated by a local supercar owner’s effort to support Utah Foster Care. One of the world’s largest collector-car auction companies has also shown a clear commitment to charitable causes. During its January 2023 auction week, Barrett-Jackson Auction Company raised more than $1.8 million for charities.
Barrett-Jackson History
Headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, Barrett-Jackson was founded in 1971 and has since become known as the SuperBowl for collectible cars. That initial charitable auction was intended to be a one-time event, but the cause gained momentum. It eventually became the first collector-car auction to be televised, when the Speedvision network began broadcasting it in 1996. It later expanded to Las Vegas, Palm Beach and Houston.
For the company’s first auction of 2023, total sales were a staggering $183.6 million. There were 1,892 cars sold at no reserve Jan. 23-29, resulting in a 100% sell-through rate.
Charity Car Rundown
The top sellers at the event included sports cars and electric vehicles.
2015 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, Lot 3003: $200,000
This seventh-generation Corvette, previously owned by the late General Colin L. Powell, had just 15,600 miles on the odometer. Under the hood, this C7 featured a 455 horsepower LT1 6.2-liter V8, mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Photo: Barrett-Jackson
This charity sale benefitted America’s Promise Alliance, founded by Powell in 1997. The charity works to improve youth’s lives through partnerships in government, community organizations and businesses. The APA utilizes leadership cohorts, community collaborations, research projects and change coalitions.
2023 Ford F-150 Lightning 4x4 SuperCrew, Lot 3001: $275,000
This all-electric F-Series pickup has been making headlines since it first debuted in May 2021. Power for this full-size truck comes from dual battery-powered motors that provide a range of up to 300 miles, depending on trim level. This example was offered in Platinum trim and is dressed in Iconic Silver Metallic. As a high-end model, it came with a twin-panel moonroof, heated seats and a trailer towing package.
Photo: Barrett-Jackson
Proceeds from this sale went to the Fighter Country Foundation, an organization that supports those serving at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona and their families. It strives to build positive relationships between the Phoenix valley and the Luke AFB community.
2021 Shelby Super Snake Count Kustoms, Lot 3000: $350,000
This Shelby was offered as a one-of-one custom widebody convertible powered by a supercharged 5.0-liter Coyote V8 mated to an automatic transmission. It rides on a set of satin black wheels on Michelin tires, with features including auxiliary gauges, a ram air hood, underbody spoilers and orange pinstriping over the metallic brown paint.
Photo: Barrett-Jackson
The beneficiary of this sale was Camp Freedom, Inc., an adventure camp for veterans and first responders. The camp promotes social well-being through outdoor adventures. Over the past five years, Camp Freedom has served more than 6,500 disabled veterans.
2024 GMC Hummer EV SUV VIN 001, Lot 3002: $500,000
GMC classifies its all-electric Hummer SUV as a supertruck, and this unit carries the first vehicle identification number for the production line. The Hummer EV combines both on- and off-road capability, creating a performance vehicle with zero tailpipe emissions. It is powered by triple electric motors with a combined estimated 830 horsepower. Features include four-wheel steering, adaptive air suspension and removable roof panels.
Photo: Barrett-Jackson
Proceeds from this sale went to Tread Lightly!, an environmental conservation organization dedicated to protecting trail access through stewardship projects and responsible recreation education.
2024 Ford Mustang GT Fastback VIN 001, Lot 3004: $565,000
The top-earning charity car was this all-new Mustang GT fastback, sold as VIN 001 in the production sequence. This represents the first unit of the Mustang’s seventh generation, which couples heritage-inspired design cues with modern technology. Under the hood, the Coyote V8 power plant is rated at 486 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. Additional features include Brembo brakes, RECARO seats and an electronically-controlled suspension.
Photo: Barrett-Jackson
Proceeds from this sale went to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, a global organization focused on Type 1 diabetes research. JDRF is the world’s largest nonprofit dedicated exclusively to the disease, and its goal is finding a cure while also working to improve the lives of those with it.
Takeaways
The collector-car community is much like a big family, and seeing generous people open up their hearts and their wallets for a good cause in a charity car auction makes you glad to be a part of it. If you’d like to donate a car to charity, check out some of the organizations in Utah that will guide you through the process. Two examples are Make-A-Wish and Kars 4 Kids.
When you’re ready to find your next ride, head over to KSL Cars. You’re bound to find a vehicle that suits your needs and interests.
The makes and models mentioned in this article are not placed in any particular order, nor intended to be viewed as a ranked list. KSL Cars does not endorse any vehicles.
