Ford to Produce Special 1-of-1 Vehicle In Support of Henry Ford Health System's "Get Your Heart Racing Event"

DEARBORN, Mich., May 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

• Henry Ford Health System and Ford Motor Company join forces on the 2012 "Get Your Heart Racing" fundraiser at the Ford Dearborn test track on September 22, 2012.
• A unique and muscular 1-of-1 Ford Shelby GT500 will be auctioned with revenue supporting the Edith and Benson Ford Heart & Vascular Institute. A customized Ford Focus will be given as a door prize.
• Event will offer a multitude of performance driving activities and exhibitions.

There is arguably no better way to 'Get Your Heart Racing' faster than by jumping into the driver's seat of the all new 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 and unleashing its 662 heart-pounding horsepower towards a top speed north of 200 mph.  No better way, that is, unless the Shelby GT500 is a one-of-a-kind vehicle unlike any other on the road.

Executives from Henry Ford Health System and Ford Motor Company gathered at the Lingenfelter Collection in Brighton, MI this month to announce that a unique 1-of-1 version of this Super 'Stang will be produced and made available exclusively via an auction to be held at the Henry Ford's Get Your Heart Racing fundraiser on September 22, 2012 at the ultra-private Ford test track in Dearborn.   

"Even with his rich racing pedigree, it's hard to imagine what Henry Ford might have thought had he ever encountered such a massively powerful vehicle as the 2013 Shelby GT500," said John Felice, general manager Ford and Lincoln Marketing.  "However, we're fairly certain he'd be thrilled that the vehicle carried the Ford oval AND that it was being auctioned to support the critically important work of saving lives."

Get Your Heart Racing is more than just Henry Ford Health System's most successful fundraiser – it's a car enthusiast's dream come true -- an exclusive opportunity to experience Dearborn's renown test track and proving grounds with hot laps, drag races, wet pad tests, coned driving challenges and off-road experiences.  Visit www.getyourheartracing.org to watch a three minute video from last year's event and learn more about the specific driving elements and ticket opportunities. 

Following the driving events, guests will kick back at the Pit Party to watch a drifting and driving demonstration hosted by world-class professional drivers.  Then they can hang out with the drivers and enjoy amazing food, beverages and entertainment.  And, one very lucky participant will win a brand new tricked-out Ford Focus – how's that for the ultimate door prize raffle!

"The September 22 date needs to be etched into the minds of any auto and Ford enthusiasts who have always wanted to experience the Ford test track, but never had the opportunity – that is, until now," said Sandy Hudson, Senior Development Officer at Henry Ford Health System.  "Spend the afternoon in a veritable auto nirvana and then, in the evening, let the pros take over and show us all how it's really done.  Like the Shelby GT 500 that we'll auction, this event is truly one of a kind." 

The 1-of-1 2013 Ford Shelby GT500, customized by Ford designer and former Henry Ford patient Melvin Betancourt, features a stunning white exterior paint scheme with contrasting white graphics and 20" white wheels.  The racing-inspired cockpit boasts white leather Recaro seats stitched with a black contrast thread for an overall design theme that is worthy of this car's outstanding heritage.

The Ford Focus "giveaway" vehicle is also a one-of-a-kind vehicle outfitted with "Euro Series" body kit from aftermarket specialist, 3d Carbon.  The vehicle exudes confidence with an aggressive stance and styling cues including a rear spoiler, custom exhaust and black tuxedo metallic paint with solid white asymmetrical competition stripes and high performance 20-inch Forgiato wheels. 

"Shelby" driving tickets for the full day's driving events including the Pit Party are $1,000 each or $1,750 for a two person team.  Tickets for the evening Pit Party are $250.  Both tickets include sumptuous food, beverage, music, the drifting demonstration, the chance to win the Ford Focus and the opportunity to tour the legendary track and mingle with professional drivers. Event proceeds benefit the important work of the Edith and Benson Ford Heart & Vascular Institute at Henry Ford Health System. A portion of the ticket purchase is tax deductible.

All guests will be able to bid on a range of fabulous auction items including the 1-of-1 Shelby GT500.  Phone bidders are also welcome for the vehicle auction. 

For more information, please visit www.getyourheartracing.org.

About the Edith and Benson Ford Heart & Vascular Institute:

With a history that spans more than 90 years, the institute has earned international recognition as a leader and innovator in comprehensive cardiovascular care, research and education. Established in 1946, the cardiac training program is one of the longest running in the U.S., and the first in Michigan. The program is one of only three in Michigan for advanced heart failure treatment options and one of the few programs in the U.S. offering robot-assisted laparoscopic aortic surgery.

About the Lingenfelter Collection:

What started out as five cars packed into a modest three-car garage has since grown into a beautiful collection of more than 150 unique cars in a 40,000 square foot space. Today, the Collection holds a variety of Corvettes, muscle cars, and exotics. Several vehicles in the Collection are among the most rare automobiles in the world, including a Bugatti Veyron, an Enzo Ferrari, and a Lamborghini Reventon. While the collection currently is not open to the public, it is available for corporate and charity events, silent and live auctions, and car-club specialty showings. For more information please visit www.thelingenfeltercollection.com or call (248) 486-5342 Ext. 10.

SOURCE Henry Ford Health System