Mustang GT-R Concept hightlights RM's Monterey auction

The RM auction in Monterey always seems to bring some interesting cars to the public, and this year's lineup looks to be no exception. Ford alone will bring eighteen concept cars built from 2000 to 2004, including 2001 Lightning Rod Concept, the 2001 Forty Nine Concept, the 2003 Supercharged Thunderbird Concept and the 2004 Lincoln Mark X Concept, and the 2004 Mustang GT-R Concept. Proceeds will go to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and The Children's Center.

Press Release

RM Auctions, the world's largest collector car auction house, kick starts its annual Sports & Classics of Monterey sale on August 12th with a special evening auction devoted exclusively to "the company that put the world on wheels": the Ford Motor Company.

Featuring over a century of automotive design and innovation, this special sale presents some 57 fantastic Fords, Mercurys and Lincolns, spanning from the company's earliest days of production through to a host of modern concepts.

For those with a penchant for early automotive history, the star attraction is one of the oldest surviving Fords in existence, an early 1903 Ford Model A Rear-Entry Tonneau*. Offered from a large private collection and with a known history and documentation from the Henry Ford Museum, this example is considered one of the most important cars in the commercial history of the auto industry (Estimate: $600,000 - $800,000).

Another historically significant example set for the auction podium is the 1962 Lincoln Continental "Bubbletop" Kennedy Limousine, Secret Service fleet number 297-X, used by President John F. Kennedy and even more frequently by First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy. Considered one of the most important parade cars in America's history, over its years in the White House fleet, 297-X hosted an endless stream of visiting dignitaries, diplomats and important guests. (Estimate: $500,000 - $750,000).

The Thursday event also showcases some of Ford's latest designs and innovations with 18 Ford Motor Company concept vehicles on offer, the proceeds of which will benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and The Children's Center, an organization based in Michigan, US, that addresses the needs of troubled children, youths and families.

"RM Auctions is honored to have been chosen to present the selection of Ford Motor Company concept vehicles as part of this year's Sports & Classics of Monterey event", says Ian Kelleher, President and Chief Operating Officer, RM Auctions.

"Continuing RM's long-standing relationship with Ford, this unique segment, featuring 18 concepts in total, not only provides a great opportunity for the savvy collector, but illustrates both RM and Ford's ongoing commitment to supporting today's youth," Kelleher adds.

Among the exciting series of concepts on offer are:

- 2004 Ford Mustang GT-R Concept**, introduced at the April 2004 New York International Auto Show, this example was built as a tribute to 40 years of Mustang performance (Est. $250,000 - $350,000)

- 2004 Lincoln Mark X Concept, combining the Thunderbird spirit with Lincoln luxury and featuring innovative easy-entry doors and a sumptuous cockpit (Est. $200,000 - $250,000); and,

- 2003 Ford Supercharged Thunderbird Concept, conceived to gauge public interest in a performance version of the new two-seat Thunderbird, this example was debuted at the 2003 Los Angeles Auto Show (Est. $175,000 - $250,000).

"Concept cars serve as the auto industry's vision into the future, and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to showcase these vehicles at RM's Sports & Classics of Monterey", says Edsel B. Ford II, Board Director, Ford Motor Company.

"It is our hope that the funds raised through this effort bring us closer to our vision of a day when there is a cure for diabetes, and a safer and brighter future for all of our youth."

The Ford Motor Company is a strong supporter of both the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), through its Ford Global Walk Team, and The Children's Center.

The Ford Motor Company established the Ford Global Walk Team - an employee-driven fundraising team supporting JDRF- in 1998. Since its inception, over $30 million has been raised through innovative employee leadership and the generosity of Ford's partners, family and friends – including contributions from RM Auctions.

The Children's Center of Wayne County also has strong ties to the leading automotive manufacturer as it was founded by U.S. Senator James Couzens, a former general manager of Ford Motor Company. Today, the company and the Ford Family remain strong supporters and advocates for the agency and serve as models for corporate responsibility and commitment to the city and its children.

RM's Ford-themed auction is followed by an unparalleled roster of other important and historic automobiles as the company's annual Sports & Classics of Monterey event continues on August 13th and 14th. In total, the three-day Monterey sale features over 200 investment-quality motor cars as part of the most significant auction offering ever presented on the Monterey Peninsula.

For a complete list of auction offerings, visit www.rmauctions.com/montereycarlist or call +1 519 352 4575.

For those unable to attend the event in person, Internet, absentee and telephone bidding options are available, and the auction will stream live online at www.rmauctions.com, providing real-time coverage of the event.