What you’re looking at here is a modern interpretation of the Plymouth Road Runner based on the 2009 Dodge Challenger with a 6.1L HEMI turbocharged V8 engine. The concept is being put together by an independent designer Michael Leonhard, who is selling the car once he’s done building it.

The 6.1 HEMI turbocharged V8 allows for a total of 620-hp with a maximum torque of 650 lb-ft. 0-60 mph should come in 3.8 seconds.

Even before it’s built, Leonhard has put the one-off model up for grabs on eBay with a Buy it Now price tag of $950,000. Of course, you want to be careful before you go spending close to a million on this car since Leonhard says “in order to improve the finished product, changes to the design may occur during the building process.”

The finished model will make its debut at the 2010 LA Auto Show. If you have questions about the auction send an e-mail to michaelleonhard77@yahoo.de. Click here to see the eBay listing.

Click through for the spec sheet and additional images.

Plymouth Road Runner Concept:

Stages of exterior building process:

• Body sketch to data development

• Body engineering

• Engineering of swing panels, dropping glass, glass production

• Engineering of Wheels

• Tooling Development & Production

• Body Manufacture

• Fabrication – Body to chassis

• Fabrication – Door, hood and trunk swing

• Fabrication – Glass drop development

• Fabrication – Dry Fit of vehicle

• Fabrication – Materials

• Wheel manufacture

• Glass development

• Exterior accessories (Headlights, Taillights, Fog Lamps, Side Markers, Grilles, Mirrors, Door Handles)

• Final vehicle Surface and Paint

• Final assembly and testing

Performance upgrade (Turbocharger) to the 6.1L HEMI V8 engine:

Focused power:

• 620 hp @ 5,200 rpm

• 650 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm

Appraised performance:

• 0-60 mph: 3,8 sec

• ¼ mile: 11.9 sec @ 121 mph

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Michael Leonhard (via Straightline)

Ferrari has announced that its special edition Ferrari 599 China was auctioned off to an anonymous client from Shanghai at the Gala dinner at the Red Gate Gallery in Beijing. The winning bid came in at a total of 1.2 million euro ($1.77 million USD).

“The innovative appearance of this unique model, blending classic Chinese elements with Ferrari distinctive features, immediately aroused great interest among the guests,” Ferrari said in a statement.

Honestly, you wouldn’t catch anyone of us shelling out that much for a limited Ferrari that looks like this, but hey, everyone has their own taste.

Make the jump for the press release.

Ferrari 599 China:

Press Release:

‘FERRARI 599 CHINA’ AUCTIONED IN BEIJING FOR 1.2 MILLION EURO

November 3, 2009, BEIJING – The unique Ferrari 599 China was won tonight by an anonymous client from Shanghai at the final price of about 1.2 million euro (including taxes). The auction was the climax of the Gala dinner organised by Ferrari at the Red Gate Gallery in Beijing. Lu Hao, the first Chinese artist to work with Ferrari, created this special model decorated with Song Dynasty Ge Kiln pottery patterns. The proceeds from this auction will fund outstanding students and young teachers of Tsinghua University’s Department of Automotive Engineering to study at Italy’s Politecnico di Milano University and internship at Ferrari’s headquarters.

The gala dinner was attended by Ferrari owners and collectors, joined by Ferrari Asia Pacific CEO Mr. Marco Mattiacci, contemporary artist Lu Hao, professors of China’s leading Tsinghua University Cen Zhangzhi and delegate of Politecnico di Milano University Bruno Pizzigoni. A few Ferrari objects, in particular a helmet and a model car signed by Michael Schumacher, who this morning personally unveiled the car to the international media, were also auctioned together with a racing overall worn by F1 driver, Giancarlo Fisichella. The innovative appearance of this unique model, blending classic Chinese elements with Ferrari distinctive features, immediately aroused great interest among the guests.

This follows the spirit of Ferrari founder, Enzo Ferrari, carried on by Chairman Luca di Montezemolo, in investing in young talents and research. Ferrari was involved before in goodwill activities with Chinese associations, dedicated to youth.

Bentley has yet to reveal the technical specs on the new Mulsanne but has already auctioned off chassis No.1 for $500,000. We guess the recession has no impact on a vehicle that is said to be the “pinnacle of the ultra-luxury segment.”

Technical specs and performance figures will be revealed next month at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. The 2010 Bentley Mulsanne will go on sale from mid-2010 with prices starting around $300,000.

Make the jump for the video.

2010 Bentley Mulsanne:

2010 Bentley Mulsanne:

- By: The Daily Auto Editor

The very first Jaguar C-Type to set foot on U.S. soil will be auctioned off at the upcoming Sports & Classics at Monterey auction on August 15. The 1952 C-Type bearing chassis number XKC-007 is the same unit driven by Phil Hill during the 1952 season. Hill won the Torrey Pines Road Races with the car.

Power for the 1952 Jaguar C-Type comes from a 3.4L twin-overhead-cam 6-cylinder making 160-hp allowing the car to reach top speeds of 120 mph.

It first came to New York on August 1, 1952 and was sold to its first owner, West Coast Jaguar dealer Charles Hornburg which delivered it to Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, for the final street race ever on the road racing circuit.

Only 52 units of the C-Types now exist worldwide.

- By: The Daily Auto Editor

Source: RM Auctions (via Inside Line)

Earlier this year, Mecum Auction made a big deal about a 1965 Shelby Daytona Cobra Coupe CX2601 that they said could bring in $12 to $15 million. Unfortunately, during the 22nd Dana Mecum Original Spring Classic Auction, the car known as the “American Crown Jewel” brought in a highest-bid of $6.5 million.

Well, Mecum is going to give it another shot – this time at the Monterey Auction on Saturday, August 15, 2009.

“While the legendary Daytona Cobra Coupe did not meet the reserve at Mecum’s Spring Classic Auction in Indianapolis, it has reached a post-auction bid of $7.5 million,” Mecum said.

We’ll have to wait and see how much the car brings in this time around.

Live: 1965 Shelby Daytona Cobra Coupe:

Press Release:

1965 SHELBY DAYTONA COBRA COUPE TO HEADLINE MECUM MONTEREY AUCTION
‘Daytime Auction’ to be Held August 15 at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Resort & Spa

MARENGO, Ill. – Mecum Auction announces the championship-winning 1965 Shelby Daytona Cobra Coupe will headline their new Monterey Auction on Saturday, August 15, 2009, at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Resort & Spa.

While the legendary Daytona Cobra Coupe did not meet the reserve at Mecum’s Spring Classic Auction in Indianapolis, it has reached a post-auction bid of $7.5 million.

“When the Championship Coupe ran its first race in February 1965, it did not finish. However, a few months later the car raced to a first-place finish and won the World Manufacturers Championship for the U.S.,” explained President Dana Mecum. “We expect history to repeat itself as the Daytona Cobra crosses the block in Monterey to a victorious finish, setting a record for the highest price paid for an American automobile at public auction.”

Mecum’s inaugural Monterey Auction, which begins at 10 a.m., will feature 200 investment-grade vehicles, including exotic sports cars, classics and high-end collector cars. The Daytona Coupe is scheduled to auction on Saturday afternoon.

A truly significant slice of American race history, the Daytona Cobra Coupe was one of six cars built by Carroll Shelby to compete against the dominating Ferraris in the F.I.A. (Federation Internationale de l’Automobile) World Manufacturers Championship GT race class. An experimental coupe body designed by Peter Brock was built on an existing Cobra chassis, immediately increasing the top speed by 25 mph. That car won its first race, the 1964 Daytona Continental (prompting Shelby to adopt the Daytona name), and five more coupes were built, including CSX2601.

After competing at Daytona, Monza, Spa, Nürburgring and LeMans, CSX2601 made history when driver Bob Bondurant powered the car to a victory over Ferrari, clinching the 1965 World Manufacturers Championship for the United States and Shelby American on July 4 at Reims, France.

Bob Bondurant (driver) and Peter Brock (designer) will be onsite at Mecum’s Monterey Auction to be reunited with CSX2601.

Auction cars will be displayed at the Hyatt Regency Monterey’s beautiful, centrally located site while the bidding arena will be staged in a 10,000-square-foot ballroom. The auction is open to the general public.

The Mecum Auction Company has been specializing in the sale of collector cars for 22 years, offering more than 5,000 collector cars per year – more than any collector car auction company in the world. Consignment, Bidder, event and accommodation information is available online at www.Mecum.com or by calling 815.568.8888.

- By: The Daily Auto Editor

RM Auctions has announced that it will auction a pair of 2005 Ford GT supercars at the Meadow Brook and Monterey events this August. The proceeds from the auction will benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and its mission to find a cure of 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.

The first Ford GT, to be auctioned off at the 15th annual Vintage Motor Cars of Meadow Brook event, is the sixth vehicle from the initial production and is finished in vintage Mark IV read with white racing stripes. The second GT model is the seventh unit to be built, finished in Centennial white and blue livery. It will be auctioned off during RM’s Sports & Classics of Monterey event in Monterey, California.

The two auctions are expected to sell in the $150,000-$200,000 range. Maybe Jeremy Clarkson is interested.

- By: Omar Rana

In its first online auction Ferrari is giving away its chairman’s 599 GTB Fiorano. Chairman Luca di Montezemolo will auction off his personal Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano to sponsor young researchers working on projects dedicated to technological innovation.

The 620-hp red GTB Fiorano has 3,589 miles on it and features carbon-ceramic brakes with aluminum calipers and 20-inch monolithic wheels wrapped in run flat Bridgestone tires. The charcoal interior has dark grey floor mats and stitching, carbon fiber details in the driver area and door panels and a steering-wheel with carbon elements and 5 LEDs to display the engine rpm. It also features a Cascade navigation system and iPod connectivity.

The car comes with a certificate of authenticity engraved with Chairman Luca di Montezemolo’s signature, which will be handed over to the winner of the auction during the handover in Maranello.

Interested in making a bid? Head over to the Ferrari Store.

- By: The Daily Auto Editor

Fiat and Diesel, have teamed up to offer a one-off 500C customized by the Italian clothing line. The model will be auctioned off at the Cinema Against AIDS Gala in favor of AmFAR (the American Foundation for AIDS Research).

Power for the Fiat 500C by Diesel comes from a 1.4L 100-hp unit. The one-off model features “Diesel green” body work, 16-inch alloy wheels marked with Diesel logos, yellow brake calipers and stainless steel finish on the grille, bumper and the side frame. Inside, the 500C by Diesel gets a denim upholstery with yellow stitching with Diesel logos found on the instrument panel.

Diesel and Fiat have both previously worked on a coupe version of the 500.

Fiat 500C by Diesel:

Press Release:

Fiat “500C by DIESEL”: playing the starring role at the charity auction in favour of AmFAR

The Cinema Against AIDS Gala in favour of AmFAR (the American Foundation for AIDS Research), the association in charge of fund-raising for the fight against AIDS, is to be held on 21st May 2009, during the 62nd edition of the Cannes Film Festival. The charity auction, now in its seventeenth edition, will be taking place at Hotel du Cap in Antibes this year.

Bill Clinton will be the most eagerly awaited guest of this edition and will be hosting the auction alongside the event’s godmother Sharon Stone and film producer Harvey Weinstein. Singer and founder of the Eurythmics Annie Lennox will be performing to numerous big names from the fashion and film industries, who will be helping raise funds for AmFar in an attempt to exceed the record amount of seven million dollars raised during the 2008 edition.

A large number of significant items will be up for grabs during the most eagerly awaited Gala of the film festival: these include an exclusive Fiat “500C by DIESEL”, resulting from the joint effort of Fiat and the lifestyle brand by Renzo Rosso. This cabrio model, a one-off car that is not available for purchase, combines two apparently distant worlds: fashion and motoring. As a matter of fact, they share some important concepts, such as talent, creativity, appeal and innovation, the winning ingredients of Italian style, which is famous all over the world.

Made on the basis of the Special Series of the same name and equipped with the powerful 1.4, 100 HP engine, this special version Fiat “500C by DIESEL” stands out for its black top combined with the matching “DIESEL green” bodywork. Both cars feature all the same aesthetic features for a strong visual impact: on the exterior, the 16″ alloy wheels marked with the Diesel logo will catch your eye, along with the brake calipers which have been painted yellow, the side moulding marked DIESEL and the specific rear view mirror cover. These last two features are painted in satin steel finish, along with the grille, bumpers and the characteristic “feelers” on the bumper. Last but not least, the rear panel features the DIESEL logo and five air vents reproducing the characteristic detail of the cooling system of the historic 500. The same strong personalisation can be found in the interiors, such as the specific denim upholstery (with yellow stitching) branded DIESEL. The brand logo can also be found on the instrument panel (distinguished by a yellow background) and on the gear lever knob, while a special pocket reminiscent of the fifth pocket on DIESEL jeans is featured on the side of the front seats.

- By: The Daily Auto Editor

While the 1965 Shelby Daytona Cobra Coupe CX2601 didn’t break any records this past weekend, another car did. The 1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa brought in an eye-popping $12.1 million yesterday at an event at Ferrari’s factory in Maranello, Italy. This is the new world record for cars sold at an auction.

“The historical significance of this car attracted a bidding war as collectors from around the world – both in the room and on the telephone – competed to secure one of the most alluring and iconic of all Ferrari racing cars,” said Max Girardo, Managing Director of RM Europe.

The 1957 Testa Rossa was just one of 22 produced form 1957 to 1958. An American collector, who raced in SCCA events, purchased the car.

The car that was auctioned off carried chassis no. 0714TR and came in fourth at the Buenos Aires 1,000-kilometer race in 1958.

The previous record for the most expensive car sold at an auction was held by a 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider which sold for $10.9 million last year.

- By: Omar Rana

Dana Mecum, the president of the Mecum auction house, said that the rare 1965 Shelby Daytona Cobra Coupe CX2601 you saw last month could bring in $12 to $15 million dollars. Well, this past weekend at the 22nd Dana Mecum Original Spring Classic Auction, the “American Crown Jewel” brought in the highest-bid at $6.5 million.

While that is a heft amount of money to us, it wasn’t enough to meet the car’s reserve price and no records were broken.

Mecum said that he is confident that he’ll get a deal done soon.

Live: 1965 Shelby Daytona Cobra Coupe:

- By: The Daily Auto Editor

Source: Discovery (via AutoBlog)

Mini has unveiled a new interpretation of George Harrison’s original Mini to coincide with the brands 50th birthday. 

In 1966, Beatles’ manager Brian Epstein gave each band member a Mini Cooper S as a gift which Harrison ended up painting in psychedelic images. In 1967, that very Mini Cooper S starred in The Beatles film Magical Mystery Tour. Mini is now dedicating a modern interpretation of the car to George himself.

The one-off model will be handed to Olivia Harrison and will later be auctioned of to aid the Material World Charitable Foundation, a charity set up by George Harrison in 1973.

Click through for the press release.

George Harrison’s Mini Cooper S:

Press Release:

Beatlemania at MINI United 2009.

New edition of the legendary George Harrison MINI helps support a good cause.

Munich/Silverstone. MINI has come up with a fresh interpretation of George Harrison’s extravagant original Mini to coincide with the brand’s 50th birthday. The one-off model will be handed over to Olivia Harrison at the MINI United event. Olivia will accept the MINI on behalf of the Material World Charitable Foundation, a charity set up by George Harrison in 1973. The car will be auctioned in aid of the Foundation later in the year.

MINI United – the world’s biggest fan event – will take place at Silverstone in the UK on 22 – 24 May 2009. The festival delivers three days of non-stop entertainment for the brand’s large fan community. MINI United is all about concerts, shows, car races etc., and provides the perfect stage on which to showcase the unique new MINI inspired by George Harrison.

George’s psychedelic MINI in a new look.
Back in 1966 The Beatles’ manager Brian Epstein gave each of the Fab Four a Mini Cooper S as a gift. In keeping with the zeitgeist of the time, lead guitarist George had his car painted with psychedelic images such as yantras and Sanskrit mantras. In 1967 this legendary Mini starred in The Beatles’ film Magical Mystery Tour. And now, to coincide with its latest landmark anniversary, MINI is dedicating a modern interpretation of George’s car to the man himself. The MINI has been designed according to the wishes of Olivia Harrison and rekindles the look of George’s famous original.

“George was a huge MINI fan and he would have enjoyed creating this new version. The fact that MINI’s anniversary celebrations will also benefit our Foundation has made it an enjoyable as well as meaningful collaboration.” says Olivia Harrison.

Replay signs up as MINI United partner.
The denim specialist congratulates MINI on its latest landmark birthday and presents an anniversary jeans model, which will be available exclusively and in a limited edition from the Replay stand at the MINI United event. To mark the anniversary, the used-look jeans sport a circular “50 Years of MINI” sew-on badge on the front left pocket. Added to which, all the MINI staff at the festival will be kitted out in Replay jeans. Selected Replay stores are promoting the event in special window displays.

- By: The Daily Auto Editor

The first U.S. unit of the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder has been auctioned off to support the Nancy Davis Foundation for Multiple Sclerosis at the 16th Annual Race to Erase MS charity event.

Who bought the rights to the first U.S. based Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder? Apparently two people who are going to share the car - Kymberly Gold, former co-founder/co-creator of True Religion Jeans, and music producer Victor Newman. Both placed a winning bid of $270,000, which is about $50,000 over the base price of the car.

The Lamborghini LP560-4 Spyder is powered by a 5.2L V10 that makes a total of 560-hp. 0 to 62 mph comes in 4 seconds with a top speed of 201 mph.

Make the jump for the high-res image gallery.

Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder:

Press Release:

First U.S. Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder Auctioned at Race to Erase MS Charity Event

LOS ANGELES, May 9 /PRNewswire/ — Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A., creator of the world’s most exclusive super sport cars, donated the proceeds from the first U.S.-bound Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder to support the Nancy Davis Foundation for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) at the 16(th) Annual Race to Erase MS charity event at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza in Los Angeles on May 8, 2009.

Kymberly Gold, former co-founder/co-creator of True Religion Jeans, and music producer Victor Newman placed the winning bid of $270,000 for rights to the first U.S. Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder, with delivery estimated to take place within one month. This particular LP 560-4 Spyder was ordered six months in advance to be hand-built specifically for the Race to Erase MS event in all black with subtle orange accents in honor of the charity.

“We are very grateful for Mr. Newman and Ms. Gold’s generous bid for the first LP 560-4 Spyder,” stated Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. “Their contribution to the Nancy Davis Foundation will provide great support to help the cure of this terrible disease. They are a very welcomed addition to the Lamborghini family.”

The winning auction price of the LP 560-4 ranks as one of the highest amounts ever paid for a single item in the event’s 16 year history. The Race to Erase MS auction and ticket sales raised approximately $2 million dollars for the Nancy Davis Foundation for Multiple Sclerosis, a foundation dedicated to the treatment and ultimate cure for MS through clinical research and providing awareness through education to the public about this mysterious disease.

The celebrity-filled gala event drew a crowd of more than 1,200 guests who enjoyed glamorous red carpet arrivals ranging from celebrities to the Los Angeles elite, followed by live performances by the Eagles and Michelle Branch. Event attendees included stars such as Dustin Hoffman, Jeremy Piven, Mario Lopez, Blair Underwood, Kim Kardashian, Reggie Bush, Giuliana and Bill Rancic, Terri Garr, Wolfgang Puck, Tommy Hilfiger, and Jewel.

- By: The Daily Auto Editor

Have $12 to $15 million just laying around somewhere? If you do, then you have a chance of owning the Crown Jewel of American Racing history.

Earlier this morning, we made our way to Plaza Hotel in NYC  to take a look at the 1965 Shelby Daytona Cobra Coupe CX2601 that will be auctioned off at the 22nd Dana Mecum Original Spring Classic Auction taking place May 13-17, 2009, in Indianapolis, Ind.

The 1965 Shelby Daytona Cobra was one of six cars built by Carroll Shelby to compete against Ferrari in the F.I.A. World Manufacturers Championship for GT race class. The car won its first race at the 1964 Daytona Continental, prompting Shelby to build 5 more coupes, including the CSX2601 you see here.

Dana Mecum, the president of the auction house, said that the car is expected to fetch anywhere from $12 to $15 million dollars – which is definitely crown jewel range in our books.

Click through for the high-res image gallery.

Live: 1965 Shelby Daytona Cobra Coupe:

All Photos Copyright ©2009 egmCarTech / Omar Rana.
 

Press Release:

MECUM AUCTION PROUDLY PRESENTS AMERICAN RACING’S CROWN JEWEL
1965 Shelby Daytona Cobra Coupe Beat Ferrari to Capture First U.S. Victory in World Manufacturer’s Championship

MARENGO, Ill. – High performance collector car specialists Mecum Auction will offer collectors a chance to own a piece of American race history when they auction the 1965 Shelby Daytona Cobra Coupe CSX2601 at the 22nd Dana Mecum Original Spring Classic Auction taking place May 13-17, 2009, in Indianapolis, Ind.

And when this Crown Jewel of American Racing powers across the auction block, Mecum anticipates the championship race car to garner the highest bid ever paid at public auction for an American automobile – eight figures and counting. The Shelby Daytona Cobra Coupe will be sold on live national TV Friday, May 15, 2009, at 8:00 p.m. during the company’s series, “Mecum Auto Auction: Muscle Cars & More,” on Discovery Communications’ popular HD Theater.

The 1965 Shelby Daytona Cobra was one of six cars built by Carroll Shelby to compete against the dominating Ferrari in the F.I.A. (Federation Internationale de l’Automobile) World Manufacturers Championship for GT race class. An experimental coupe body designed by Pete Brock was built on an existing Cobra chassis, immediately increasing the top speed by 25 mph. That car won its first race, the 1964 Daytona Continental (prompting Shelby to adopt the name), and five more coupes were built, including CSX2601.

After competing at Daytona, Monza, Spa and Nurburgring, CSX2601 made history when it clinched the 1965 World Manufacturers Championship for the United States and Shelby American on July 4 in Reims, France.

“Many vintage race cars have a strong American racing history to share – including this vehicle’s sister car CSX 2299 – but no car can claim a finer race hour than the Shelby Daytona Cobra Coupe CSX2601,” said Dana Mecum, president, Mecum Auction. “The legacy of its World Manufacturer’s Championship win stays with us more than four decades later, reminding us of one the proudest moments in U.S. race history and a competitive spirit of victory against all odds.”

Driving the car – and America – to victory on that fateful July afternoon was legendary driver Bob Bondurant.

“I won a lot of races with this Daytona Cobra Coupe, but when I crossed the finish line at the Reims race track I yelled ‘Yes!’ It was a fantastic feeling,” Bondurant shared. “I always wanted to race in Europe against the world’s best drivers. Winning that World Championship was the crowning achievement of my career. I think it’s wonderful that the car is being showcased 40 years later.”

The Daytona Cobra Coupe didn’t just race, however. At one point, a North Dakota businessman with six gas stations owned the car, and each day, he’d drive the 300-mile round trip to collect station receipts in this race-trimmed Cobra.

“This car is a true slice of Americana, representing a different time in America’s past when driving a full-blown race car on the roads didn’t turn heads,” added Mecum. “The Daytona was also leased to Paramount Pictures for use in the Howard Hawks cult classic ‘Redline 7000′.”

Now fully restored and wearing its famous Reims livery, the Shelby Daytona Cobra CSX2601 headlines the Original Spring Classis Auction, which is expected to feature 1,250 vehicles.

Held at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, the auction is open to the general public with tickets are available at the door for $10. It will be broadcast live on Mecum’s popular television series, “Mecum Auto Auction: Muscle Cars & More” on HD Theater – Discovery Communications’ first 24-hour high-definition cable network, offering compelling real-world and motorized content.

The Mecum Auction Company has been specializing in the sale of collector cars, muscle cars and Corvettes for more than 20 years. In spring 2008, the company sold its 50,000th car. Consignment, Bidder, event and accommodation information is available online at www.Mecum.com or by calling 815.568.8888.

# # #

Schedule:
Original Spring Classic Auction
Indiana State Fairgrounds, Indianapolis, Ind.
May 13-17, 2009

Price: $10

Vehicle check-in:
Monday & Tuesday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Wednesday 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Preview: Gates open Wednesday through Sunday at 9 a.m.
Vehicle Auction: Wednesday – 2 p.m.
Thursday through Sunday – 10 a.m.

* Shelby Daytona Cobra Coupe to be auctioned live on national TV May 15 at 8 p.m.

Neon Auction: Saturday – 7:30 p.m.
Auction will take place in the Toyota Blue Ribbon Pavilion. Cars will be displayed in four additional buildings and outside.

- By: Omar Rana

The one-off Pininfarina Rolls-Royce Hyperion that was built for Rolls-Royce Drophead Coupe owner Ronald Hall is up for sale. We’re guessing Hall wasn’t too satisfied with his Pininfarina creation or thought he could rake in a couple of million for his one-off Drophead Coupe during the economic downturn.

The Pininfarina Rolls-Royce Hyperion has a body made of carbon fiber with the doors made of solid wood. Power comes from the same 6.75L V12 making 450-hp. 

The car is on sale now at JamesList.com for € 4,500,000 ($6,033,789 USD).

Pininfarina Rolls-Royce Hyperion:

- By: Kap Shah

Source: JameList

The 2007 SSC Ultimate Aero, the world’s fastest production car with a top speed of 257 mph, is on the auction block at eBay Motors. For an auction as exclusive as this, one must be pre-approved to even bid on the item.

The Ultimate Aero is powered by a 1183-hp engine with a peak torque of 1094 lb-ft, the SSC Ultimate Aero does 0-60 in 2.8 seconds with a top speed of 257mph.

This 2007 SSC Ultimate Aero is the same exact model used to break the World Production Speed Record and has a total of 1,345 miles on it – now that’s exclusive. The current bid stands at $425,100 with a total of 6 bids.

Head over to the eBay Motors for more info.

- By: Kap Shah

Ford will be celebrating the 45th anniversary of the Mustang by auctioning the first 2010 Ford Shelby GT500 along with a pair of Mustang GT concepts at the Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach Collector Car Auction on April 9.

All the money that the cars bring in above the MSRP will be donated to The Carroll Shelby Children’s Foundation which will benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

The two Mustang concepts joining the 2010 Ford Shelby GT500 will be the Redline Red Metallic Ford Mustang GT convertible concept and Tungsten Silver Ford Mustang GT coupe concept. Both made their debut at the 2003 Detroit Auto Show.

Click through for the press release for more details.

2010 Ford Shelby GT500:

Press Release:

Ford Motor Company will celebrate the 45th anniversary of the Mustang by auctioning the first retail 2010 Ford Shelby GT500 and a pair of Mustang GT concept cars during the 7th Annual Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach Collector Car Auction on April 9-11, 2009. The three historic Mustangs will be sold for charity and are among 400-plus collector vehicles to be auctioned at No Reserve during the automotive lifestyle event at the Americraft Expo Center at the South Florida Fairgrounds. SPEED will provide live, high-definition TV coverage of the auction once again.

“It’s rare for a concept vehicle, especially one as iconic as the Ford Mustang, to be sold to the public,” said Craig Jackson, Chairman/CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “Giving enthusiasts an opportunity to take home the ultimate keepsake is an admirable way to mark the 45th anniversary of the Mustang, which will be celebrated a few days after our event.”

All proceeds above MSRP from the sale of the Shelby GT500 will be donated to The Carroll Shelby Children’s Foundation. The two Mustang concepts will be auctioned to benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

“During the last three years, Ford and Barrett-Jackson have raised more than $2 million for charity through the auction of Ford vehicles,” noted Mark Fields, Ford Motor Company’s president, The Americas. “Ford and Barrett-Jackson will continue this important tradition at this year’s Palm Beach auction. The winning bidders for these fantastic Mustangs will be contributing to worthy causes while purchasing automotive history.”

The first 2010 Ford Shelby GT500 (Lot #665) is the latest in high-performance cars and features a color scheme and equipment personally chosen by Carroll Shelby. Clad in Kona Blue with white stripes, this GT500 has world-class handling, aggressive styling, and extreme levels of horsepower and torque that are unparalleled in its segment.

The two Mustang concepts on the Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach docket debuted at the 2003 North American International Auto Show in Detroit and have traveled to more than 50 auto shows around the world. The fresh design foreshadowed a new direction for the 2005 model year that is still relevant in today’s Mustangs.

The Redline Red Metallic Ford Mustang GT convertible concept (Lot #655) features a distinct “showbar” with a rim of billet-aluminum trim picking up where the instrument panel and console trim leave off. The dazzling red car is pure muscle from its 20-inch wheels and cross-drilled Brembo brakes to the sharp accent line that runs the length of the body and culminates in a “C-scoop” behind the door cutline. The convertible’s interior, awash in supple red and charcoal leather, includes perforated surfaces on the seat backs, as well as a billet-aluminum shifter for the 5-speed automatic transmission, 4-point racing-style seatbelts and unique instrument gauges that resemble a fine watch with its face removed.

“This car began with a significantly modified Ford Thunderbird rear-wheel-drive architecture,” noted Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “The platform was sectioned to achieve the proper proportion and the front-end geometry is all original. This is truly a piece of history that represents the transition to an entirely new Mustang.”

The Tungsten Silver Ford Mustang GT coupe concept (Lot #655.1) has a glass roof and lush red and charcoal leather interior accented by billet-aluminum hardware. Its upward rake angle makes the car appear to be in motion even while at a standstill. The styling matches its convertible sibling. The functional hood scoops help the supercharged engine breathe as it churns out nearly 400 horsepower.

Yes, the economy is very depressing – but is depressing enough for people to buy Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster replica – apparently, this eBay seller thinks so.

Seen here is Murcielago Roadster replica that is based on Pontiac Solstice. With 325-hp under the hood, the seller claims that the car can go from 0 to 60 mph in 5 seconds. Honestly, to us it looks nothing like a Murcielago – but we’ll leave it up to you to decide.

The starting bid comes in at $63,244 (enough of a reason to pass this up) with currently 0 bids on the auction. We highly doubt this will sell and we’re guessing the seller does as well, which is why he added two videos showing off the car.

What do you think Zak?

Follow the jump to see the videos.

- By: Kap Shah

Source: ebay (via CarScoop)

Being the Playboy Playmate of the Year has its perks. Besides being on the cover of one of the best-selling magazines, total celebrity status, you can get a brand new 2007 Mini Cooper S Convertible. But when the year is over and the glamour and fame are no more, you may want to get rid of your Cooper and trade it in for a luxury performance convertible.

We’re guessing that’s exactly what happened to Sara Jean Underwood, the 2007 Playmate of the Year. Underwood is selling her fully-loaded red 2007 Mini Cooper S Convertible on eBay with a “Buy It Now” price of $34,999.99.

Underwoord’s Mini Cooper S Convertible has an automatic transmission and less than 13,000 miles. Features include heated seats, power seats/windows/steering, parking sensors, traction control, leather and alloy wheels.

Follow the jump for more pictures.

Sara Jean Underwood’s 2007 Mini Cooper S Convertible:

- By: The Daily Auto Editor

Source: eBay (via GlobalMotors)