CHARITY HIGHLIGHTS: Top VIN 001 Sales for Incredible Causes

November 21, 2023
Posted by Barrett-Jackson

Barrett-Jackson’s unwavering commitment to assisting those in need has been a fundamental principle since the company’s establishment in 1971 and remains a cornerstone of its values today. The tradition of auctioning “charity cars” on the renowned auction block reached a significant pinnacle at the 2023 Scottsdale Auction when Barrett-Jackson achieved an impressive milestone: raising $150 million for various charitable causes.

What makes this achievement significant is that every dollar generated from the sale of these charity cars goes directly to the designated organizations. Barrett-Jackson waives all fees and commissions, ensuring that 100% of the hammer price goes directly to support the charity.

A standout feature at Barrett-Jackson auctions is the presence of VIN 001 vehicles generously donated by major automotive manufacturers to support notable causes. This tradition traces its origins back to the 2006 Scottsdale Auction, when Ford made a remarkable entrance with the 2007 Shelby GT500 on the Barrett-Jackson auction block. Edsel Ford, Carroll Shelby and top Ford executives were on the block for the momentous occasion. The VIN 001 car raised $600,000, setting an unprecedented standard at the time. This inaugural moment marked the inception of what would later become a defining feature of Barrett-Jackson auctions.

Enjoy this gallery showcasing some of the top VIN 001 charity sales in recent years.

SCOTTSDALE 2022 – 2023 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 VIN 001 – FIRST RETAIL PRODUCTION 70th ANNIVERSARY EDITION – $3.7 MILLION BENEFITED OPERATION HOMEFRONT Pictured above, the first retail production 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 VIN 001 70th Anniversary Edition puts the world on notice with its striking appearance, sound and tactile feel. The new American supercar is set apart by its beating heart – the all-new 5.5-liter LT6, the highest-horsepower, naturally aspirated V8 to hit the market in any production car, ever.

SCOTTSDALE 2020 – 2020 CHEVROLET CORVETTE STINGRAY VIN 001 – $3 MILLION BENEFITED DETROIT CHILDREN’S FUND The winning bidder received not only the First Retail Production VIN 001 of the all-new 2020 C8 Corvette, but the first-ever mid-engine Corvette. The car shown and crossing the auction block was representative of the actual vehicle the winning bidder will receive, which will be a black-on-black Corvette 3LT loaded with every available option, built during the first quarter of 2020.

SCOTTSDALE 2021 – 2022 GMC HUMMER EV EDITION 1 VIN 001 – $2.5 MILLION BENEFITED STEPHEN SILLER TUNNEL TO TOWERS FOUNDATION The 2022 GMC HUMMER EV Edition 1 VIN 001 (first-ever retail production vehicle) is the world’s first all-electric supertruck engineered to forge new paths with zero emissions. It is fully electric, driven by next-generation EV propulsion technology that enables unprecedented off-road capability, extraordinary on-road performance and an immersive driving experience designed to put drivers at the center of every moment. SCOTTSDALE 2019 – 2019 FORD GT HERITAGE EDITION VIN 001 – $2.5 MILLION BENEFITED UNITED WAY FOR SOUTHEASTERN MICHIGAN The Ford GT40 with Gulf Oil livery took down Ferrari 50 years ago to make racing history, a moment United Way for Southeastern Michigan honored by auctioning the 2019 Ford GT Heritage Edition VIN 001 painted in the same famous baby-blue-and-orange scheme. SCOTTSDALE 2019 – 2020 TOYOTA SUPRA – FIRST PRODUCTION VIN 20201 – $2.1 MILLION BENEFITED THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION AND THE BOB WOODRUFF FOUNDATION The first all-new global production Toyota Supra in one-of-one factory color combination of a matte gray exterior, red mirror caps, matte black wheels and red interior. This vehicle included an engine cover signed by Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda.

SCOTTSDALE 2020 – 2021 LEXUS LC 500 CONVERTIBLE INSPIRATION SERIES VIN 100001 – $2 MILLION BENEFITED BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF AMERICA AND BOB WOODRUFF FOUNDATION Just unveiled in late 2019 at the Los Angeles International Auto Show, the first-ever 2021 Lexus LC 500 convertible expanded the flagship LC family to the open-air freedom of road trips with the top down. The winning bidder received a one-of-a-kind 2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible Inspiration Series, the first of just 100 produced.

SCOTTSDALE 2018 – 2018 CHEVROLET CORVETTE CARBON 65 EDITION – VIN 001 – $1.4 MILLION WITH 100% OF HAMMER PRICE TO BENEFIT THE GEORGE W. BUSH PRESIDENTIAL CENTER’S MILITARY SERVICE INITIATIVE Celebrate 65 years of innovation with this limited edition that exemplifies Corvette performance. Only 650 Carbon 65 Editions were produced, and this one is powered by a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 and automatic transmission.

SCOTTSDALE 2016 – 2017 ACURA NSX VIN #001 – $1.2 MILLION BENEFITED THE PEDIATRIC BRAIN TUMOR FOUNDATION AND CAMP SOUTHERN GROUND Combining cutting-edge and world-first technologies, the 2017 NSX broke the mold through a first-of-its-kind Sport Hybrid Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive power unit, a multi-material body/frame structure, advanced aerodynamics and a cockpit that supports performance driving on every level without skimping on comfort.

PALM BEACH 2023 – 2024 CHEVROLET CORVETTE E-RAY 3LZ FIRST RETAIL PRODUCTION VIN 001 – $1.15 MILLION BENEFITED DONORSCHOOSE The first retail production 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray 3LZ, VIN 001, is powered by a 6.2-liter LT2 small-block V8 engine backed by an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, with a front-mounted electric motor that powers the front wheels via a 1.9 kWh battery pack. SCOTTSDALE 2019 – 2020 FORD MUSTANG SHELBY GT500 VIN 001 – $1.1 MILLION BENEFITED JDRF Ford Motor Company auctioned VIN 001 of the 2020 Ford Shelby GT500 to help the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation research a cure. Arriving in the fall of 2019, the 2020 Mustang Shelby GT500 was the most powerful street-legal Ford ever, with a supercharged 5.2-liter V8 engine making more than 700hp.

SCOTTSDALE 2021 – 2021 FORD BRONCO 2-DOOR VIN 001 – $1.075 MILLION BENEFITED NATIONAL FOREST FOUNDATION AND OUTWARD BOUND The legendary Ford Bronco returned after 25 years! Ford Motor Company auctioned VIN 001 of the all-new 2021 Bronco 2-door to benefit the National Forest Foundation and Outward Bound, which are part of Ford’s new Bronco Wild Fund mission to connect people to the outdoors. All Broncos are “Built Wild” for a thrilling off-road experience with the capability and confidence to take you deep into the wild on your outdoor adventure.

More charity moments can be found HERE.