BLENHEIM, ON.- Continuing its relationship with the Ford Motor Company, RM Auctions, the world’s largest collector car auction house, will lift the gavel on two unique Ford concept cars when its highly-anticipated Monterey sale gets underway, August 19 in California.

Offered on behalf of the Ford Motor Company, the striking pair of concepts – a sleek 2001 Ford Thunderbird Sports Roadster Concept Car and a race-inspired 2005 Ford Shelby GR-1 Concept Platform – will be presented ‘without reserve’ at the upcoming Monterey sale, with proceeds benefiting the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).

To coincide with their offering, a small group of JDRF Youth Ambassadors will be on hand at the August 19 auction to witness the sale.

“We are honored to have been entrusted by Ford Motor Company to offer these two exceptional concepts at our Monterey sale, and delighted to once again support the work of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and its mission to find a cure for Juvenile Diabetes,” says Rob Myers, Chairman & Founder, RM Auctions. “Both concepts represent important American design statements and provide a very unique ownership opportunity for collectors.”

“JDRF values the continued support of our wonderful partners, Ford Motor Company and RM Auctions, through the auction of these two cars,” said Yvonne Miller, National Director of Corporate Development. “The dollars raised in this auction will allow JDRF to continue the critical research funding for type 1 diabetes.”

‘American Beauty’ - 2001 Ford Thunderbird Sports Roadster Concept Car
Taking a variety of design and styling cues from the ‘Bullet Birds’ of the 1960s, the 2001 Ford Thunderbird Sports Roadster Concept Car was displayed at the 2001 North American International Auto Show to rave reviews. Resplendent in its vivid red with ‘ceramic’ white leather interior, this striking concept features a molded fiberglass tonneau that integrates the rear deck with the headrests. Its sleek look is completed by an integrated chrome hood scoop, along with large rounded headlamps and a chrome finished egg-crate design grille, reminiscent of T-Birds of the past. Described by Ford as an ‘American Beauty’, it is expected to fetch between $125,000 - $175,000 at RM’s upcoming Monterey sale.

“Few American automobiles are as iconic as the Ford Thunderbird,” Myers adds. “This striking concept melds the old with the new in striking fashion. It is truly a unique interpretation of a modern classic, worthy of close inspection.”

‘Performance Art’ - 2005 Ford Shelby GR-1 Concept Platform Model
Unveiled at the 2004 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, the Ford Shelby GR-1 Concept pays homage to the 1964 Shelby Daytona Coupe and was intended to be a front-engine, two-seat, fastback supercar. Featuring a beautifully long hood that blends seamlessly with the teardrop-shaped cabin, it sits on elegant 12-spoke 19” wheels inspired by the original ’64 Shelby. Magnificently presented in silver with blue racing stripes, the example on offer was unveiled as a fiberglass platform model prior to the 2005 North America International Auto Show debut of the polished aluminum, driving model. It is expected to achieve between $150,000 - $200,000 when it crosses the auction podium this month.

“The GR-1 Concept Platform Model is an extremely unique concept that features cutting-edge design while reflecting its important Shelby heritage,” Myers comments. “Originally unveiled at Pebble Beach in 2004, it is apt that it returns to the Monterey Peninsula this summer for auction.”

Ford Motor Company is a strong supporter of JDRF through its Ford Global Walk Team. Established in 1998, the Ford Global Walk Team has raised over $35 million since its inception through innovative employee leadership and the generosity of Ford’s partners, family and friends – including contributions from RM Auctions.