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

The customization of the 2010 Mustang begins!

Ford is wasting no time letting it's future Mustang owners customize their soon to be new ride. They realize that a stock Mustang is nothing more than a canvas for enthusiasts, a starting point for a thriving aftermarket. With this in mind, visitors to the L.A. Auto Show are able to digitally customize their own version of the pony car right on the showroom floor.

A total of 43 accessories will be available, from wheels to spoiler to hood scoops. Wheels will be available in a variety of finishes, and body parts will come in black, silver, or body color. A carbon fiber package will even be available. Taking it a step further, Ford will have the crew from Galpin Auto Sports on hand to pick a design every hour and actually install the parts on a V6 convertible and a GT coupe to provide a real life look at the car.

More details on the 2010 Mustang

The new 2010 Mustang is spreading it's way across the web, and it brings details a plenty. Apparently both the coupe and convertible bring the same Bulitt inspired goodness with them, meaning an upgraded torque curve and some suspension goodies. Check the press release below for more details...

PRESS RELEASE

2010 FORD MUSTANG DELIVERS MORE REFINED RIDE

* All 2010 Mustangs benefit from performance enhancements born from the 2008 Mustang Bullitt and Ford Racing Mustangs
* Wide range of performance options available so customers can personalize their 2010 Mustangs

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 18, 2008 – Thanks to Ford's extensive racing and special program initiatives, customers can look forward to a nimbler, more-responsive Ford Mustang.

Extensive improvements to the next-generation Mustang, readily apparent on the exterior design and interior content and material upgrades, will be felt in the ride and handling of the 2010 model. Taking a cue from the successful Mustang Bullitt and Ford Racing vehicles, many of those enhancements are carried through the full Mustang lineup.

Standard on all models is a three-link rear suspension with a panhard bar.

AdvanceTrac®, new for 2010, traction control and anti-lock brakes also are standard. AdvanceTrac uses sensors to detect and measure yaw, or side-to-side skidding conditions, by monitoring the vehicle's speed, throttle position and steering wheel angle. When AdvanceTrac senses wheel slippage, it reduces engine torque and applies the brakes as needed.

AdvanceTrac can be run on or off with the V-6. In the GT, AdvanceTrac, can be run in on, off or Sport mode, which allows drivers to push it more while still retaining control.

"We adjusted the springs, stabilizer bars and shocks to better balance the ride, steering and handling for all models, which results in a more engaging driving experience," said Vehicle Engineering Manager Tom Barnes. "The 2010 Mustangs feel more controlled for steering and handling, yet retain a good ride balance."

Tires are increased by an inch across the Mustang line, with 17-inch tires standard on the V-6 and 18-inch tires standard on the V-8. A 19-inch Pirelli Summer tire is late available as an option for those seeking higher performance.

The proven chassis from the Bullitt series serves as the base for the GT. A tower-to-tower brace pioneered on the Bullitt lends additional torsional and lateral stiffness to the chassis to improve cornering for those selecting the 19-inch tire.

"You're getting the best-handling, best-balanced Mustang ever as the base GT," said Chief Nameplate Engineer Paul Randle.

Design and engineering teams spent a lot of time honing the aerodynamics of the 2010 Mustang, ensuring that both the aerodynamic drag and lift balance were improved for better overall efficiency.

"We've reduced the drag coefficient, which measures the ability of the Mustang to slip through the air, by 4 percent in the V-6 models and 7 percent in the GT models," said Product Design Engineer Steve Parks. "In addition, we reduced the front aerodynamic lift for the 2010 Mustang by 37 percent for V-6 models and 23 percent for GT models, which significantly improves steering feedback and driver confidence at higher speeds."

As always, extensive option packages are available for the 2010 Mustang.

Options include:
GT Track Package I (manual only)
Performance front brake pads
3.73 axle ratio
Recalibrated AdvanceTrac®

GT Track Package II (manual only, late availability)
Performance front/rear brake pads
GT500 Sta-Bars and rear lower control arms
Retuned struts and shocks
19-inch Pirelli Summer tires
3.73 axle ratio with carbon plates in the differential
Recalibrated AdvanceTrac®, traction control and anti-lock brakes

"With the new tires, the new shock tuning, some new spring setups and new stabilizer bars, 2010 Mustang customers will get an even better driving experience," Barnes said.