Barrett-Jackson to Auction VIN 001 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse in Scottsdale with 100% of the Hammer Price Benefiting JDRF

BARRETT-JACKSON – Barrett-Jackson, The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions, will continue its longstanding tradition of offering VIN 001 vehicles for charity with the sale of the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse VIN 001 (Lot #3003) during the 2024 Scottsdale Auction held January 20-28, at WestWorld of Scottsdale. One hundred percent of the hammer price of the all-new Mustang, which will cross the auction block at approximately 6:30 PM MT on Saturday, January 27th, will benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).

“I’m excited to once again team up with Ford Motor Company to offer a VIN 001 production vehicle on the auction block for charity here in Scottsdale,” said Craig Jackson, CEO and Chairman of Barrett-Jackson. “This 500-horsepower fastback Mustang is particularly special because it’s the first production vehicle that wears a new nameplate for the Ford Mustang in 21 years. Vehicles that represent the birth of new generation of vehicles offer promising collectability over time. I look forward to being a part of history when this vehicle crosses the block to benefit Ford’s long-standing commitment to finding a cure for type 1 diabetes.”

The heart of 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse VIN 001 (Lot #3003) is an all-new fourth-generation Coyote 5.0-liter V8 engine with a dual air-intake box and throttle-body design. The engine sends 500 horsepower and 418 ft/lbs of torque to a 6-speed TREMEC manual transmission. This Ford Mustang Dark Horse includes coolers for the transmission, engine oil and rear axle, and improved engine cooling capability.

Inside the Ford Mustang Dark Horse is the most technologically advanced, driver-centric cockpit of any Mustang yet. From a flat-bottomed steering wheel to a 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster with customizable screens, the car delivers an extraordinary driving experience. Special-order equipment on VIN 001 includes RECARO seats, a painted hood and accent stripes, and both optional Handling and Appearance packages.

“Barrett-Jackson’s charitable endeavors tops the list of our many accomplishments over the decades,” said Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “We value our special relationship with Ford Motor Company, who has generously donated several VIN 001 vehicles over the years to benefit JDRF, a cause that’s close to the hearts of everyone at the company. This VIN 001 Mustang Dark Horse will join a legacy of ‘first’ production Fords crossing the block to support charity.”

One hundred percent of the hammer price from the sale of the Dark Horse Mustang VIN 001 will benefit JDRF, whose mission is harnessing the power of research, advocacy, and community engagement to advance life-changing breakthroughs for type 1 diabetes (T1D).

Automotive enthusiasts interested in registering to bid on this charity vehicle and the entire Scottsdale Auction docket may do so here.

Tickets to the 2024 Scottsdale Auction are available here. On Location, Barrett-Jackson’s official hospitality partner, is offering several immersive Barrett-Jackson Experiences packages for guests to join the action on the auction block, enjoy premium hospitality and connect with like-minded enthusiasts like never before. To learn more about On Location’s offerings, click here.

Join Barrett-Jackson’s online conversation with #BarrettJackson and #BJAC on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

Aero First: 320 km/h Wind Tunnel Treadmill Helped Design the Most Aerodynamic, Track Capable All-New Ford Mustang

FORD MOTOR COMPANY - Wind tunnels have long been used to design and test aerodynamic and energy efficient vehicles. Now, Ford has combined the latest wind tunnel technology with the equivalent of a vehicle-sized treadmill to help create its next-generation of production vehicles, including the all-new Mustang Dark Horse.

Capable of simulating wind and road surface speeds of 320 km/h (200 mph), the Rolling Road Wind Tunnel (RRWT) supports testing for efficient and performance-driven vehicles across the Ford lineup – including the next generation of Ford electric, hybrid and gas vehicles.

“The amount of air moved by our wind tunnel is enough to fill a K-Class blimp in just over 5 seconds,” said John Toth, North America Wind Tunnels Engineering Supervisor.

One key benefit of the RRWT is that it gives more accurate data in terms of both wind drag and downforce compared to other earlier wind tunnel designs, which are key factors when optimizing for range and efficiency. It also allows for more in-house testing that simulates open-road conditions, which can help reduce design costs while also accelerating the design process.

“The closer we can get to reality in the lab, the better and faster we can create more energy efficient vehicles with great on-road and track stability,” said Toth. “Testing while the wheels and tires move is instrumental to improving aerodynamics for track-ready vehicles, like Mustang Dark Horse which has to balance both aerodynamic drags and downforce.”

A new five-belt rolling road system can replicate real-world drag through a rolling road aerodynamic tunnel that enables Ford to bring the road to the vehicle, rather than the vehicle to the road.

To test for optimal aerodynamic performance, each wheel gets its own belt, making up the first four belts. A large fifth belt runs under the centre of the vehicle. A crane is used to switch between the five belt and single belt systems – an industrial-sized plug-and-play. The single belt – which operates at up to 320 km/h (200 mph) – opens up a new breed of testing for high-speed performance vehicles.

Maximizing downforce on Mustang Dark Horse

The Mustang Dark Horse is among the first of many vehicles to be tested in this wind tunnel.

Tailored aerodynamics are a key step in the development of new vehicles.

For passenger vehicles and trucks, the goal is to achieve low drag, creating a more efficient vehicle. However, for vehicles such as the Mustang Dark Horse that prioritize track-ready performance, aerodynamicists will trade low drag for increased downforce, which helps cars stick to the road or track and improves handling feel while cornering.

The Mustang Dark Horse comes with an available Gurney flap, which is an extra plate attached to the rear wing to help generate additional downforce, as well as three vertical plates coming off the under body near each front wheel called strakes. The strakes help disrupt airflow generating greater downforce on the underside of the vehicle, which can help the car stick better in corners at higher speeds.

Overall, Mustang Dark Horse includes multiple changes and additional features, including a redesigned front bumper, a lower valence, a spoiler, and unique wheels. The front design is optimized to potentially increase air flow for engine cooling, brakes and air intake, while also reducing front lift. On the Mustang Dark Horse, the lower air spoiler and splitter is unique allowing the car to be tuned for greater downforce. The upgraded handling package on the Dark Horse provides a unique splitter, spoiler, and wheels – changes that may seem small but that make all the difference when hitting the road or track with performance in mind.

"We spent approximately 250 hours in the wind tunnel developing the 2024 Ford Mustang which includes Dark Horse,” said Program Aerodynamicists for Mustang and Bronco, Jonathan Gesek. “The aerodynamics of Mustang Dark Horse along with several other factors have created the most track- and street-capable 5.0-litre Mustang to date.”