Shelby EXP500 CSS "Black Hornet" to be auctioned for charity

If you've ever felt torn between spending your hard earned green on an ultra rare collectible muscle car and donating to a charity like the Carroll Shelby Children's Foundation, now you can do both. Carroll Shelby has donated the Shelby EXP500 CSS "Black Hornet" from his personal collection to home furnishing retailer Restoration Hardware to auction for charity. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Carroll Shelby Children's Foundation.

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to own one of my personal performance cars," said Carroll Shelby, founder of the Carroll Shelby Children's Foundation and legendary car builder and racer. "It's a stunning tribute to the legendary 'Green Hornet', which I used to test some of the era's most advanced technology back in the late 1960s. Along with our friends at Restoration Hardware, I'm challenging enthusiasts across America to take part in this charity auction on eBay for a chance to win the ultimate Christmas toy."

The "Black Hornet" was built by Barry Smith, owner of Legendary G.T., an authorized builder of re-creations of classic Shelby Mustangs. It was built as a tribute to Shelby's original "Green Hornet" test car that his team used to design everything from an independent rear suspension to electronic fuel injection. The "Black Hornet" is an accurate reproduction of the "Green Hornet" built from a 1968 Ford Mustang and painted "Stetson Black" in honor of Shelby's preferred choice of headgear. Aside from the color, the "Black Hornet" is an exact replica of the "Green Hornet" after it received four-wheel disc brakes but before the fuel injection or independent rear suspension.

The "Black Hornet" is powered by a 335-hp. 428 cu-in V-8 and has been a part of Carroll Shelby's personal collection since 2003. It is the only authorized reproduction of the "Green Hornet" in existence and is included in the official Shelby Worldwide Registry.

The "Black Hornet" appeared at the SEMA show in Las Vegas this week and will be auctioned off on eBay from December 2 to 12. A portion of the sale will be donated to the Carroll Shelby Children's Foundation, which helps children around the world who are suffering from life-threatening illnesses and promotes organ and tissue donation. Bidding will start at $100,000.

Vehicle Specifications:

* Cobra Jet 428 V8 Engine
* Marc Underdrive Pulley System
* Cobra Jet Manifold Exhaust System
* Holley High Volume Fuel Pump
* Mallory Unilight Ignition System
* Holley 700 Carburetor (new)
* Edelbrook Aluminum Heads
* Shelby Intake manifold
* Shelby Water Pump
* Shelby Valve Covers
* Cobra Air Cleaner
* Griffith Aluminum Radiator
* Legendary Autometer Customized Gauges
* Top Loader 4-speed transmission
* Power Steering/Power Brakes
* new tinted glass
* Standard interior without Roll Bar
* Deluxe Black Interior with Console
* original seatbelts
* Original '68 Cobra Steering Wheel
* 9" Currie Rear End - 3.25 ratio
* Original Style AM Radio
* Shelby 10-Spoke Wheels
* Goodyear GTII Tires
* Sequential Tail Lights
* Lucas fog lights