Ford to auction Mustang Cobra Jet prototype for charity [w/video]

Mon, 16 Sep 2013

Prototypes developed by major automakers typically remain in said company's custody, but every once in a while, one trickles out into private hands. And that's just what we have here. Ford is donating a one-of-a-kind factory prototype for the 2014 Mustang Cobra Jet that will be auctioned off later this month by Barrett-Jackson in Las Vegas to benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Powered by a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 mated to a T4 competition gearbox, this rare Cobra Jet prototype includes a wheelie bar, chromoly roll cage, Weld wheels, three-link rear suspension, racing brakes, 9-inch rear axle and more. It's painted in a unique satin orange with reflective gray striping scheme, bears the serial number 2014 BJMS CJXX1 and is fully ready for NHRA competition on the drag strip.

To be offered with no reserve on Saturday, September 28, 2013, the Cobra Jet prototype's winning bidder will also receive tutelage at Roy Hill's Drag Racing School in Sophia, NC, along with tours of the Ford Product Development Center, Ford Racing headquarters and Ford Design Studios with Mustang chief engineer Dave Pericak. Scope out the video and details below for what could be the ultimate Mustang experience for a good cause.

FORD TO AUCTION PROTOTYPE OF THE 2014 MUSTANG COBRA JET FOR NATIONAL MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SOCIETY AT BARRETT-JACKSON

- Ford is selling a one-of-a-kind prototype of the NHRA competition-ready 2014 Mustang Cobra Jet at Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas to benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society
- The sale includes an once-in-a-lifetime Mustang experience. The winning bidder will become an honorary member of Team Mustang with full backstage passes to the Ford Product Development Center, Ford Design Studios and Ford Racing
- Ford to also offer Ride-and-Drives and hot laps at Mandalay Bay Event Center featuring the Shelby GT500, Boss 302 Mustang, Focus ST, Fiesta ST, and Shelby American-built GT350, GT500 Super Snake and Shelby Focus ST for rare hot-lap experiences

LAS VEGAS, September 12, 2013 –Ford Motor Company will join Barrett-Jackson Auction Company among the Las Vegas lights from Sept. 26-28, 2013 to sell the star of the show – a one-of-a-kind prototype of the NHRA competition-ready 2014 Mustang Cobra Jet. The Cobra Jet will be sold at no reserve on Saturday, Sept. 28, with proceeds benefiting the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

The NHRA-legal vehicle can instantly make competitors a force in the sport. This unique car is powered by a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 mated to a T4 racing transmission, and boasts an optional traction "wheelie" bar, 8.50 ET certified chrome-moly safety cage, exclusive Cobra Jet-branded Weld wheels, three-link rear suspension, lightweight racing brakes, 9-inch rear axle, and custom Cobra-branded Recaro seats. The purpose-built factory race car was the prototype for the 2014 model year racer, and carries a unique serial number of #2014 BJMS CJXX1. Clad in a fiery orange satin finish with dark gray reflective stripes, it also bears a distinctive license plate with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society's logo.

"The money to found Ford Motor Company came from Henry Ford's only race as a driver, so you could say motorsports is in our blood," says Dave Pericak, Mustang chief engineer. "This Cobra Jet is an awesome factory turn-key performer at the drag strip. It's capable of approximately nine-second quarter mile runs as delivered from Ford. And we will include several once-in-a-lifetime experiences to the winning bidder. For example, few get to see the inner workings of the Ford Product Development Center and Ford Racing to learn how to leverage the Cobra Jet's power. This information can then be taken to the track to immediately break into competitive racing."

The winning bidder also will enjoy:
- Training at Roy Hill's Drag Racing School in Sophia, N.C.
- Tour of the Ford Product Development Center and Ford Racing with Mustang Chief Engineer Dave Pericak, including a backstage pass into the Ford Design Studios
- Their experience captured for a future Mustang book and documentary
- Video of the vehicle build, testing and the action from Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas

"We're proud to offer the opportunity for a serious competitor to up their game with this Mustang Cobra Jet," says Steve Ling, North America car marketing manager for Ford. "But, just as important, we're honored the proceeds will support the National Multiple Sclerosis Society's work with those living with this disabling disease of the central nervous system. Through our long-standing relationship with Barrett-Jackson, we continue to support charities through exceptional vehicle sales."

In fact, last month at the Hot August Nights Auction Presented by Barrett-Jackson, Ford auctioned the last retail 2014MY Ford Shelby GT500 convertible to support the Brain Injury Association of America, an organization championed by 1963 Indianapolis 500 winner Parnelli Jones. Other organizations supported by Ford have included the Carroll Shelby Foundation and Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

During the auction, Ford will offer the public Ride-and-Drive and hot-laps experiences at the Mandalay Bay Event Center. The Ride-and-Drive will feature Ford's elite stable of vehicles. For power junkies, the Shelby GT500, Boss 302 Mustang, Focus ST, Fiesta ST, and Shelby American-built GT350, GT500 Super Snake and Shelby Focus ST will make a rare appearance at the hot-laps experience.

For auction information, visit the Barrett-Jackson website or Facebook. For news on the Cobra Jet, please visit fordracingparts.com/cobrajet.

By Noah Joseph