New Mustang #1 to be auctioned in US

Barrett-Jackson Auction Company will put the first retail 2015 model Mustang - a GT fastback - under the hammer at their Scottsdale, Arizona, auction event next week. Offered at no reserve, all funds raised will benefit JDRF, America's leading juvenile diabetes research foundation.

"We're kicking off the next 50 years of Mustang in style with a 2015 model featuring a sleek all-new design, world-class performance and innovative technologies," says Steve Ling, North America car marketing manager for Ford. "We're thrilled to be able to take advantage of Mustang's popularity to help achieve the dream of ending juvenile diabetes."

Scheduled for delivery after production of the new model year begins, the winning bidder will be able to choose either a manual or automatic transmission, as well as any factory interior, exterior and stripe colour combination offered on the new Ford Mustang GT. The entire Mustang design and development team will also sign the car in appreciation of the donation to JDRF.

"Ford's charitable vehicle sales at Barrett-Jackson have raised more than $3 million for JDRF through the years, and these funds are helping us make tremendous progress towards therapies and treatments that will make life better for people with type 1 diabetes today as we work to find a cure for this terrible disease," says Jeffrey Brewer, president and CEO of JDRF.

Ford is one of JDRF's first global partners and has supported the organization since 1983.

April 17, 2014 marks 50 years since Mustang's introduction. Each 2015 model celebrates the milestone with a badge showing the galloping pony logo and the words, "Mustang - Since 1964."

During the BJ auction in Scottsdale, Ford is also offering ride-and-drive and hot lap experiences at WestWorld for those attending the sale. The ride-and-drive will feature Ford's elite stable of 2014 vehicles, and the hot lap experience includes the Shelby GT500, Focus ST and Fiesta ST.