THE CHARITY TRADITION CONTINUES: Three vehicles at the 2019 Northeast Auction have a greater purpose
June 20, 2019
Posted by Barrett-Jackson
Written by Barbara Toombs
Leading the charitable charge across the Northeast Auction block will be the last-built 7th-generation Corvette (Lot #3001).
From a drivable log car to VIN 001 beauties from the world’s top auto manufacturers, the vehicles that have crossed the Barrett-Jackson auction block to benefit worthy causes over the years are many and varied. Because the company waives all fees for these special vehicles, every penny of the more than $115 million raised to date has gone directly to non-profit organizations large and small, national and local.
Leading the charitable charge across the Northeast Auction stage will be a car marking a monumental moment in General Motors history: the last-built seventh-generation Corvette (Lot #3001). The car on the auction block will be an exact replica of the vehicle the winning bidder will receive, with the production date yet to be determined.
The historic sale will benefit the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, which supports our nation’s first responders and severely injured service members – and, more specifically, the foundation’s Smart Home Program, which builds smart homes for our most catastrophically injured service members returning home. Each home is custom-designed to address the unique needs of each individual.
The last C7 Corvette will be a black Z06 coupe with Adrenaline Red trim, a custom-wrapped red interior package that includes Performance Data Recorder and navigation, an aluminum 6.2-liter LT4 supercharged V8 engine delivering 650hp at 6,400 rpm, a 7-speed manual transmission and Brembo brakes.
“The sale of this iconic Corvette will help the foundation continue its good work, and pave the way for the next-generation Corvette that we will introduce on July 18,” said GM Chairman and CEO Mary Barra when she announced the charity sale.
Designed by Tommy Pike Customs in partnership with ARIES and Pennzoil, this custom Jeep Wrangler (Lot #3002) will be crossing the block on Saturday, June 29.
A second vehicle with members of our military in mind is a custom 2018 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon (Lot #3002) designed by Tommy Pike Customs in partnership with ARIES and Pennzoil. As the full military-themed vinyl wrap on the Jeep JL indicates, the beneficiary of this special sale will be NS2 Serves, a non-profit program that helps veterans by providing valuable IT training and employment assistance – at no cost to the veterans.
Prior to its appearance on the Barrett-Jackson auction block, the Jeep has been on tour across the country to create awareness and raise funds for NS2 Serves.
The head-turning Jeep is powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, and features modifications and customizations with adventure in mind.
These include Pennzoil Platinum 0W-20 full synthetic oil, a ProCharger Supercharger system, 4-inch lift with remote reservoir shocks, Wilwood brakes, MagnaFlow exhaust system, WARN VR10 winch, FUEL off-road Zephyr wheels, General Tire Grabber X3 tires, CURT Manufacturing rear-mount trailer hitch and a custom-designed leather interior in patriotic red, white and blue. ARIES contributed the ActionTrac running boards, TrailChaser bumpers with turn-signal housing, a heavy-duty spare tire carrier, fender flares and liners, and Style Guard XD.
The third special vehicle crossing the auction block for a cause is literally a blast from the past.
An iconic DeLorean (Lot #3000) is heading across the Northeast Auction block to benefit Rockland BOCES.
A sterling example of the car made famous in the “Back to the Future” movies will be sold to help out the Automotive Technology Academy of the New York-based Rockland BOCES (Boards of Cooperative Educational Services). The 1981 DeLorean DMC-12 (Lot #3000) was found after sitting virtually untouched in its second owner’s garage. Still looking wonderful, it runs and drives well, powered by its original 2.85-liter V6 fuel-injected engine backed by a 5-speed manual transmission, and brought to a halt by power-assisted 4-wheel disc brakes. An added accessory is a spare tire rack with the original instructions. This highly original car comes with tons of documentation, including the Window Sticker and a letter signed by John DeLorean congratulating the new owner.
Barrett-Jackson is extremely grateful to the corporations and individuals who bring these “cars for a cause” to the auction block, as well as to the generous collector car community that steps up time after time to bid from their hearts as well as their pocketbooks to help those who need it most.
For up-to-date information about these charity vehicles, click HERE. For a look at all the vehicles on the 2019 Northeast Auction docket, click HERE.