RM auctioning off two Ford GTs for juvenile diabetes research

If you're like me, wishing you would have had the means to buy a Ford GT while they were in production, now you have a second chance. Ford and RM auctions are teaming up to auction off two of them.

The first one is an early example (number six produced), and is red with white stripes. It will be auctioned off in Meadow Brook in August. Number seven is the second car to be sold, and is white with blue stripes. It will go on the block in Monterey.

Both cars are expected to bring in between $150,000 and $200,000. The money is going to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and will be used to fund a medical research endowment.

PRESS RELEASE

JUVENILE DIABETES RESEARCH FOUNDATION TO BENEFIT FROM SALE OF FORD GT SUPERCARS AT RM AUCTIONS' MEADOW BROOK AND MONTEREY EVENTS

Vintage Motor Cars of Meadow Brook

Two original 2005 Ford GT supercars from the Ford Motor Company collection to be offered at RM Auctions' Meadow Brook and Monterey events this August with a portion of the proceeds to benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation

BLENHEIM, Ontario (June 18, 2009) – RM Auctions is honored to provide the stage and auction services for the sale of two factory-original 2005 Ford GT supercars. On behalf of the Ford Motor Company's Global Walk Team, a portion of the proceeds from the sale of these cars will benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) and its mission to find a cure for juvenile diabetes.

"The Ford GT represents the pinnacle of performance from Ford Motor Company and is a great opportunity for the savvy collector. Ford is proud to support the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation efforts by including these early VIN Ford GTs at the RM auction in Meadow Brook and Monterey", said Edsel B. Ford II, Board Director, Ford Motor Company.

"RM is truly honored to provide support to JDRF's ongoing initiatives and we welcome the opportunity to further the awareness of juvenile diabetes through these events," added Ian Kelleher, President and COO of RM Auctions.

First introduced at the 2002 New York Auto Show, the Ford GT is a true American supercar, built to commemorate Ford's Centennial and its GT40 predecessor's victories at Le Mans 24-Hour races in the 1960s. With its mid-mounted, 550-horsepower supercharged V8, the GT is one of an elite group of 200 mph, hand-crafted supercars that are prized by investment-minded collectors and driving enthusiasts.

The first car offered is the sixth vehicle from the initial production (YF400006) and is finished in vintage Mark IV red and white. This particular car will cross the auction block at RM's 15th annual Vintage Motor Cars of Meadow Brook event, held on the estate's Shotwell-Gustafson Pavilion in Rochester, Michigan on August 1, 2009. This single-day auction of 100 important collector cars is held in conjunction with the 30th anniversary of the Meadow Brook Concours d'Elegance.

Following in sequence, the second car offered (YF400007) is the seventh built and is presented in its nostalgic Centennial white and blue livery. This GT will join over 200 notable collector cars offered during RM's Sports & Classics of Monterey event in Monterey, California August 13-15, 2009.

In 1998, Ford Motor Company established the Ford Global Walk Team, an employee-driven JDRF fundraising team with Edsel B. Ford II as the Corporate Team Chair. Since its inception, over $27 million has been raised through innovative employee leadership and the generosity of Ford's partners, family and friends – including contributions from RM Auctions.

About RM Auctions:

Celebrating three decades in the collector car industry, RM Auctions and its sister companies are responsible for acquisitions, restorations and sales of the world's rarest and most expensive vintage automobiles including Best of Show winning cars at the prestigious Pebble Beach, Amelia Island and Meadow Brook Concours events. For additional information on the Michigan sale and other RM Auction events, please call (800) 211-4371 or visit: www.rmauctions.com

About Ford Motor Company:

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Michigan, United States, manufactures or distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With about 224,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company's core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo and Mazda. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.ford.com

About Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation:

The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation is the leader in setting the agenda for type 1 diabetes research worldwide, and is the world's largest charitable funder and advocate of type 1 diabetes research. The mission of JDRF is to find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support of research. Type 1 diabetes is a disease which strikes children and adults suddenly, but lasts a lifetime. JDRF provided more than $156 million to diabetes research in 2008, and is responsible for more than $1.3 billion in direct funding since it was founded in 1970. JDRF funds research with the greatest impact throughout the world, leading to results as soon as possible. www.jdrf.org