NUMBER 151 SELLS FOR $135,000

The final production Roush P-51A Mustang, number 151 in a limited run of only 151, sold at the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event at West Palm Beach, Fla., for an impressive $135,000 on March 29th, 2008.

Proceeds from the sale, a partnership with the Ford Motor Company, go to support the Salute to Education Scholarship charity which awards financial assistance to high school seniors who demonstrate community service, academic achievement, leadership and strong educational and career goals. Ford Motor Company, participating Ford and Lincoln Mercury dealers, and Ford Motor Credit fund the program which has helped thousands of students realize their dream for a college or university education.

Aside from the unique serial number, the auctioned Roush P-51A had several distinctive styling touches not found on the rest of the production vehicles. The Roushcharger and valve covers were painted a Spitfire green to match the hood stripe, the billet accessories for the fluid covers had green accents, and a blackout panel was added to the rear decklid. Additionally, boost and oil temperature gauges were installed to give the driver’s compartment even more of an airplane cockpit feeling.

Jack Roush attended the auction to help generate additional enthusiasm for the Roush Mustang. Onstage just prior to the auction’s start, he announced that the high bidder would also win a flight with him on his personal P-51D Mustang, a vintage World War II plane with two seats that Roush personally flies as often as his schedule allows.

Once underway the auction quickly escalated to $110,000 where it stalled momentarily. One bidder upped it to $111,000 and was chided by the auctioneer as a “cheapskate.”

At this point Mark Fields, Ford’s president, The Americas, further upped the ante by offering the winning bidder the opportunity to be the grand marshal during the Saturday, November 15 NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Part of the duties that weekend includes throwing the green flag over the 43-car field to start the final race of the 2008 season.

That helped spur the action again and when a bid of $120,000 was made the Barrett-Jackson auctioneer joked “that ain’t no cheapskate.”

Finally, just prior to the gavel being thrown, Roush threw his trademark straw hat into the ring, literally. The winning bid of $135,000 included the Roush P-51A Mustang, a flight with Roush in his personal vintage P-51, grand marshal duties at the last Nationwide Series race of the year, and Roush’s hat off his head.