Ford Shelby GR-1 Concept Car Up for Grabs

Joining the 2001 Ford Thunderbird Sports Roadster concept car in the sale meant to benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation is another special lot offered by Ford Motor Company. The vehicle in question is a 2005 Ford Shelby GR-1 Concept, estimated to fetch between $150,000-$200,000 at the forthcoming Monterey auction later this month.

It is one of only two such vehicles and was unveiled as a fiberglass platform model prior to the 2005 NAIAS debut of the polished aluminum, driving model.

“Offered here is an extremely unique concept from the Ford Design Studio that pushes the boundaries of design while evoking the Shelby racing dominance of the past,” RM Auctions explains.

The Ford Shelby GR-1 concept was first unveiled at the 2004 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in August. Based on the Ford GT platform, the GR-1 concept is a front-engine, two-seat, fastback supercar whose design pays homage to the 1964 Shelby Daytona Coupe.

Its athletic shape and muscular proportions give the GR-1 the allusion of speed and strength even when standing still. The race-inspired design is forward-looking while retaining its Shelby heritage.

Sounds interesting? Well, we’ll have to tell you that as a platform model, this car does not contain an engine, drivetrain or interior.

“The Ford Shelby GR-1 took life at the Irvine Advanced Design Studio as a sketch by young designer George Saridakis. The initial drawing caught the attention of the Irvine Design team and most notably head of Ford Design J. Mays. He remarked that it wasn’t a case of needing more ideation but rather getting the GR-1 into clay right away. Remarkably only three sketches of the car were created,” a company statement reads.