Last Roush P-51A Mustang Built Auctioned At Barrett-Jackson. Number 151 Sells For $135,000.
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (March 29, 2008) - The final production ROUSH® P-51A™ Mustang, number 151 in a limited run of only 151, sold at the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event at West Palm Beach, Fla., for an impressive $135,000.
Proceeds from the sale, a partnership with the Ford Motor Company, go to support the Salute to Education Scholarship charity which awards financial assistance to high school seniors who demonstrate community service, academic achievement, leadership and strong educational and career goals. Ford Motor Company, participating Ford and Lincoln Mercury dealers, and Ford Motor Credit fund the program which has helped thousands of students realize their dream for a college or university education.
Aside from the unique serial number, the auctioned ROUSH P-51A had several distinctive styling touches not found on the rest of the production vehicles. The ROUSHcharger™ and cam covers were painted a Spitfire green to match the hood stripe, the billet accessories for the fluid covers had green accents, and a blackout panel was added to the rear decklid. Additionally, boost and oil temperature gauges were installed to give the driver’s compartment even more of an airplane cockpit feeling.
Jack Roush attended the auction to help generate additional enthusiasm for the ROUSH Mustang. Onstage just prior to the auction’s start, he announced that the high bidder would also win a flight with him on his personal P-51D Mustang, a vintage World War II plane with two seats that Roush personally flies as often as his schedule allows.
Once underway the auction, which was broadcast live on SPEED Channel, quickly escalated to $110,000 where it stalled momentarily. One bidder upped it to $111,000 and was chided by the auctioneer as a “cheapskate.”
At this point Mark Fields, Ford’s president, The Americas, further upped the ante by offering the winning bidder the opportunity to be the grand marshal during the Saturday, November 15 NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Part of the duties that weekend includes throwing the green flag over the 43-car field to start the final race of the 2008 season.
That helped spur the action again and when a bid of $120,000 was made the Barrett-Jackson auctioneer joked “that ain’t no cheapskate.”
Finally, just prior to the gavel being thrown, Roush threw his trademark straw hat into the ring, literally. The winning bid of $135,000 included the ROUSH P-51A Mustang, a flight with Roush in his personal vintage P-51, grand marshal duties at the last Nationwide Series race of the year, and Roush’s hat off his head.
When it was all over, Bob Varsha, the lead SPEED Channel announcer said, “Now, there is a package worth having.”
Based in Livonia, Mich., “The Art of Performance Engineering” takes place at ROUSH Performance. To get a look behind the scenes at what goes on at ROUSH and how the vehicles and parts are designed, manufactured, tested and produced logon to www.ROUSHtv.com. In addition to the array of Ford Mustang and F-150 styling, handling and performance upgrades, a complete line of performance parts and crate engines are offered. For more information see your local ROUSH dealer, visit www.ROUSHperformance.com or telephone toll-free (800) 59-ROUSH.
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