A striking 1964 Ford Fairlane custom with an intriguing backstory will be offered up by Barrett-Jackson’s President Steve Davis for auction at No Reserve in Las Vegas in September 2011, with proceeds to benefit the Armed Forces Foundation. The sale will take place during Barrett-Jackson’s 4th annual Las Vegas event on September 25-27. The stunning vehicle will be displayed for interested bidders at the 9th annual Palm Beach event on April 7-9 and again in Orange County June 24-26, 2011.
Restored and painted with Sherwin-Williams Planet Color® Barrett-Jackson Collector Color Series, the updated Fairlane hardtop is part of Davis’ personal collection and has toured the country as a show car with Sherwin-Williams. The Fairlane makes a bold statement in the “Red Hot Chili Pepper” color from the Planet Color collection. The Armed Forces Foundation, a national nonprofit that provides support for wounded service members and their families, will receive 100 percent of the proceeds from the sale, and Barrett-Jackson will waive its commissions on the sale as it has on all charity sales in recent years.
“I have the utmost respect for the tireless effort and sacrifice by members of our country’s armed forces, particularly during these difficult times,” Davis said. “Our men and women in uniform are on the front lines every day, and their families are continually called upon to put others first. That’s why we at Barrett-Jackson feel so strongly about this incredible group of people and this amazing charity, and that’s why I am willing to give up one of my prized possessions to show how thankful I am.”
Davis has owned the car for some time after acquiring it from a friend as “just a body with a rear axle under it.” “Hundreds of hours went into restoring the car and the level of detail is what I am very proud of,” continued Davis. “Several high profile companies took part in rebuilding and restoring the car which was a show stopper at the 2009 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) convention and displayed at the Sherwin-Williams expo booth.
“The Fairlane would be a prized possession in anyone’s collection,” said Gary Bennett, Barrett-Jackson’s vice president for consignment. “It evolved from that simple beginning to what we have today,” Bennett said. “It became this incredible car. It was a real journey.”
Based in Washington, D.C., the nonprofit benefitting from this sale gives its donations directly to service members and their families. Through Project American Heroes, Barrett-Jackson has increased the Armed Forces Foundation’s exposure and donations through the auction of Project American Heroes, three special charity vehicles that generated $880,000 for the Armed Forces Foundation.
The Fairlane will join that trio of other Project American Heroes cars sold at previous auctions, including a 1970 Chevelle SS, a 1969 Chevrolet Camaro RS/SS custom and a 1957 Chevy Bel Air convertible.
“We have been proud to feature these incredible Project American Heroes vehicles to benefit the Armed Forces Foundation so they can continue their important work for service members and their families,” Davis said. “Our relationship with the Armed Forces Foundation has always been very special, and our involvement with them has been motivated by one thing — to help the men and women of our military and show our gratitude for their sacrifice.”
“We couldn’t ask for a better partner,” Armed Forces Foundation President and Executive Director Patricia Driscoll said. “It’s Barrett-Jackson’s passion as it is mine. They make the Armed Forces Foundation and Project American Heroes the highlight of the event. Their team is unbelievable.”
Barrett-Jackson will be recognized for its work with the Armed Forces Foundation one day before the start of the Palm Beach Auction, when Barrett-Jackson will be awarded the Miriam and Sheldon Adelson Patriot of the Year Award at the 2011 Congressional Gala on April 6. The honor is given to those showing an above and beyond commitment to the morale and welfare of American service members. Other honorees to be recognized include Barrett-Jackson’s television partner, SPEED, as well as Super Chevy magazine and Route 66 Motorsports. Dave Parker, a Vietnam Veteran and Pelican Products founder, will also share the award. Parker held the winning bids for the Chevelle ($250,000) and the Camaro ($500,000).
About The Barrett-Jackson Auction Company
Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2011, Barrett-Jackson Auction Company specializes in providing products and services to collector car owners, astute collectors and automotive enthusiasts worldwide. Named one of the top 100 “World’s Most Ethical Companies” by Ethisphere Magazine in 2010, Barrett-Jackson produces “The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions™” in Scottsdale, Palm Beach, Fla., Orange County, Calif. and Las Vegas. Barrett-Jackson also endorses a one-of-a-kind collector car insurance offering for collector vehicles and other valued belongings. Established in 1971, Barrett-Jackson is headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz. For more information about Barrett-Jackson, visit www.barrett-jackson.com or call (480) 421-6694.
About the Armed Forces Foundation
The Armed Forces Foundation (AFF) is a national nonprofit and is dedicated to providing comfort and solace to members of the military community through financial support, career counseling, housing assistance and recreational therapy programs. AFF offer these vital programs to active-duty and retired personnel, National Guard, Reserve components, and their loved ones. Since 2001, the Armed Forces Foundation has been carrying out its mission to serve the members of our armed services and assist them in their time of greatest need. Their motto: Families Serve Too.