Carroll Shelby Children’s Foundation to Auction Famous Shelby on eBay
The Carroll Shelby Children’s Foundation will join forces with Restoration Hardware to auction the 1968 Shelby EXP500 CSS, from Mr. Shelby’s personal collection. The sale will begin Dec. 2, 2008, on eBay. A portion of the proceeds from the sale will benefit the Carroll Shelby Children’s Foundation, which helps children worldwide battle life-threatening illnesses while promoting the importance of organ and tissue donation. The custom Shelby will be on display this week at booth NL30 inside the feature car area at the 2008 SEMA Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
“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. “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 1968 Shelby EXP500 CSS pays homage to the experimental “Green Hornet.” As a rolling test “mule,” the original Green Hornet Shelby GT500 was one of the most important cars in automotive history. Over the course of a couple of years, the Shelby American crew used the Green Hornet to experiment with groundbreaking technologies such as an early electronic fuel injection system on the 428 c.id. engine, independent rear suspension, a power antenna and four wheel disc brakes.
To celebrate this groundbreaking Shelby, Barry Smith, owner of Legendary G.T., built a continuation Shelby EXP500 under license from Carroll Shelby Licensing using an original 1968 Ford Mustang. Painted “Stetson black” in honor of the hat worn by Mr. Shelby, it is identical to the Green Hornet prior to the Colonic EFI or independent rear suspension. Since 2003, EXP500 CSS has been part of Mr. Shelby’s personal collection.
Dedicated to celebrating the beauty and functionality of home furnishings and gifts with a distinctly American point of view, Restoration Hardware is also an official Shelby licensee and sells their exclusive and limited car collectibles in its popular holiday Gift Book. For more information about the benefit auction, please go to www.RestorationHardware.com/Shelby.
“In the world of automobiles, no one better symbolizes American innovation and style than Carroll Shelby. In that spirit, we’ve been proud to partner with the Shelby organization over the years,” said Gary Friedman, CEO, Restoration Hardware. “This year, we’re pleased to support the Carroll Shelby Children’s Foundation as we auction off the one and only EXP500 CSS for the worthiest of causes.”
About The Carroll Shelby Children’s Foundation
The Carroll Shelby Children’s Foundation was created by legendary racer and automotive manufacturer Carroll Shelby. After undergoing a successful heart transplant in 1990, he established the Carroll Shelby Children’s Foundation. Thanks to the support of the Shelby Companies, Ford Motor Company and loyal fans worldwide, the Foundation is helping children battle life-threatening illnesses and promoting the importance of organ and tissue donation. More information is available at www.cscf.org.
About Restoration Hardware
Restoration Hardware is one of the leading purveyors of premium home furnishings, including textiles, furniture, lighting, bathware and hardware, with an unyielding passion for exceptional design, impeccable craftsmanship and enduring value. It’s a brand that speaks to superb taste and spirited individuality. Restoration Hardware markets its products through more than 100 stores in the United States and Canada, four direct mail catalogs, and two e-commerce websites. Visit www.restorationhardware.com to learn more.
