Ford Donates Hot Wheels Transit Connect to The Darrell Gwynn Chapter of The Buoniconti Fund for Auction at Barrett-Jackson Northeast Auction
Ford donates the only life size “Hot Wheels” Transit Connect to Darrell Gwynn Quality of Life Chapter of The Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis for auction at Barrett-Jackson. Enthusiasts can also enjoy new car displays, thrill rides and ride-and-drive experiences featuring Ford’s current lineup at Barrett-Jackson Mohegan Sun event.
Ford has donated the world’s only “life-size” Hot Wheels® Transit Connect to the Darrell Gwynn Quality of Life Chapter of The Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis, which the charity will sell during the 2nd Annual Barrett-Jackson Northeast Auction, June 21-24, 2017 at Mohegan Sun in Connecticut. In addition to the charity sale, Ford will offer thrill rides with a professional driver and exhibit its latest vehicles including the new 2018 Mustang.
A highlight of the weekend will be the auction of the custom Ford Hot Wheels® Transit Connect van, lot #3002, on Saturday June 24.
“Through the partnership with Barrett-Jackson, Ford has helped a wide range of charities raise millions of dollars over the last decade,” said Jim Owens, Ford Performance marketing manager. “That tradition will continue with the sale of a truly unique vehicle that appeals to the kid inside everyone.”
The 2014 Ford Transit Connect in Hot Wheels livery was revealed at the 2013 SEMA show. It features an entirely custom, euro-look wide body kit, Rotiform ROC wheels, sleeping quarters and tool storage with slide-out drawers for Hot Wheels cars.
Michigan-based custom builder Ice 9 Group worked with Ford and Hot Wheels designers to create a one-of-a-kind dream machine. Using computer-aided drafting and tooling, they crafted an entirely new look. Every single aspect of the exterior is different, including the roof.
Powered by a 2.5-liter engine, the Hot Wheels Transit Connect was widened 4 inches in front and 6 inches at the rear. It features functional custom exhaust, gullwing doors, new front fascia and bumpers inspired by the Focus RS Mk2 and custom 20-inch wheels.
The interior was customized with a secondary floor installed covering the tool storage, a 55-inch TV screen, two 18-inch tablets in the rear doors and Recaro® seats. Two Hot Wheels orange tracks are recessed in the bed, forming a drag strip right down the center of the van.
Mattel also offered a 1:64 scale model of the custom vehicle through retailers worldwide. To support the sale of this charity vehicle, Mattel will invite the winning bidder to personally tour their Southern California studio and meet the designer team who create Hot Wheels vehicles (transportation not included).
“Barrett-Jackson has raised nearly $94 million for charity in our 47-year history,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “This factory custom Hot Wheels Ford Connect is truly an unusual collaboration between two iconic brands that should attract a great deal of attention from collectors.”
All proceeds from the sale will benefit the Darrell Gwynn Quality of Life Chapter of The Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis. Led by the former Hall of Fame drag racer, the Chapter focuses on quality of life initiatives, including wheelchair donations, and raising funds and awareness to support The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis. The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, at the University of Miami MIller School of Medicine, is considered the premier research center conducting cutting edge discovery, translational, and clinical investigations targeting spinal cord and brain injuries.
