[VIDEO] A 1986 Corvette Pace Car Helps Raise $1.76 Million at Barrett-Jackson for Ukraine Humanitarian Relief Efforts

A classic 1986 Corvette Indy 500 Pace Car is helping ease the suffering of the Ukrainian people after it was auctioned off at Barrett-Jackson’s 2022 Palm Beach Auction.

The immaculate, matching-numbers 1986 Official Indy Pace Car Corvette convertible (donated from Mark Pieloch’s American Muscle Car Museum Collection) was paired with a 2009 Ford Shelby GT500 Super Snake (donated from the George Shinn Collection), and together the two cars raised $1.76 Million with the proceeds from the joint sale going to Samaritan’s Purse to help with disaster relief and emergency medical care in the war-torn country of Ukraine.

“We are proud to work with such generous individuals like George and Mark who have graciously donated these two vehicles to support those suffering in Ukraine,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “To date, we have helped raise over $144 million for charitable causes around the world and we are pleased that during our return to Palm Beach this week, we can be a platform for raising funds to support the men, women and children of Ukraine that need it now more than ever.”

Also in attendance was Florida Governor Ron DeSantis who helped fire up the crowd with an address to the crowd just before the start of the charity auction and then had the honor of closing the auction by pounding the gavel.

(Left to Right) Steve Davis, Megan Shinn, George Shinn, Governor DeSantis, Craig Jackson, Tetiana Pieloch, Mark Pieloch, Senator Tom Wright

The yellow Corvette – with graphite interior and black convertible top – is one of 735 such pace cars, features a tuned-port, fuel-injected 350/235 horsepower V8 engine and four-speed automatic transmission, marks the debut of ABS brakes, and has only 9,325 miles on the odometer. The new owner will receive the Window Sticker and Build Sheet.

The 750-horsepower Shelby Super Snake – #309 built in 2009 – includes a supercharged 4-cam, 5.4-liter V8 engine and six-speed manual transmission. Coated in Vapor Silver Metallic paint, it has a carbon-composite hood with full-width scoops and hold-down pins, along with a carbon fiber front splitter, mirror covers, and rocker panels. The man himself, Carroll Shelby, signed the black interior.

Bidding on the two charity vehicles was strong and the actual sale culminated with a $1 Million bid from NASCAR team owner and Chevrolet dealer Rick Hendrick. However, the spirit of giving was high and others rushed to the stage for the opportunity to donate even more. Additional donations of $100,000 were made by Carolyn and Craig Jackson, Janie and Steve Davis, Megan and George Shinn, Tetiana and Mark Pieloch, Jeanette and John Staluppi, John Rosatti, and Sam Pack. Michelle Mauzy donated $50,000 and Robert Kleber donated an additional $10,000.

“It was an incredible honor to be joined by Governor DeSantis, Edward Graham and so many amazing individuals as we helped raise much needed funds to support those in need in Ukraine,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “We’ve had many amazing charity moments over our 50-year history, and today is undoubtedly one of the most memorable. The energy in the room was electrifying and the generosity of so many was a beautiful thing to be a part of. This is the greatest country in the world and I’m proud that we could come together here in Palm Beach to make this incredible impact on those in need overseas.”

Barrett-Jackson raised nearly $3.8 million for charity during the Palm Beach Auction with the sale of seven vehicles, including $1 Million from the sale of the first retail 2023 Corvette Z06 Convertible which was also purchased by Rick Hendrick for $1 million.

A non-denominational evangelical Christian organization, Samaritan’s Purse provides spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around the world, including victims of war, poverty, natural disasters, disease, and famine.

Samaritan’s Purse has already been on the ground in Ukraine providing medical care, food, water, and non-food items like blankets and hygiene kits for people in need. The most recent effort – the fifth such airlift to the country – brought more than 19 tons of aid, including medical supplies for hospitals as they work to strengthen the logistics and supply chain there.

Source:
Barrett-Jackson

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