The life of a prototype isn't an easy one. First, you're subjected to a new powertrain that everyone's pretty sure, on paper, works just fine. Then you're sent out to make sure it actually works. This means deserts, racetracks, frozen tundras and nightmarish traffic situations -- all intentionally. And then, if you don't burn down or explode, you're either forced into a museum holding pen or, more likely, dismantled, studied and then crushed into a cube.
This 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 durability prototype, however, has a different future; it will be in the hands of a private collector. Ford is auctioning off the car to benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation at Barrett-Jackson this Saturday at 8:30pm.
Originally built in 2007, this car was converted to 2013 specs (5.8-liter, 650-horsepower) and tested for 24-hours at Sebring. During testing the GT500 reached top speeds of 150 mph -- 50 mph shy of the claimed top speed.
This car's connection with the legendary Carroll Shelby goes further than simply the name, the man drove this prototype and collaborated on the build. "I raced on the Sebring International racetrack for many years, but my ambition was always to build my own car. It was exciting to be back to collaborate on this GT500 durability car with the SVT guys. I’m really proud to have my name on this car. They took my dreams of what a car should be and made it a reality.'
No auction estimate was given.
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