Ford Mustang Hero Car From Upcoming "Need for Speed" Movie Headed to Barrett-Jackson Auction Block

Ford-designed and built custom wide body Mustang used in the new movie “Need for Speed” will be auctioned for charity
All-new 2015 Ford Mustang and 2015 Ford F-150 will be on display at the auction in West Palm Beach, Fla.
Ford will offer ride-and-drives at the auction in vehicles from its 2014 lineup; Shelby GT500, Focus ST and Fiesta ST are primed for hot-lap experiences

A custom 2014 Ford Mustang GT starring in the new movie, “Need for Speed,” will be auctioned off for charity by Ford Motor Company at the Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach auction on April 12.

Building on the excitement of the movie, premiering March 14, this Mustang will be offered at no reserve, with proceeds benefiting the Henry Ford Health System, a not-for-profit group founded by Henry Ford to improve the health and well-being of a diverse community.

“Need for Speed” is the latest of more than 3,200 film and television appearances for Mustang over the past 50 years. The Mustang being auctioned is one of a handful developed purely for the movie to appear on the silver screen and at promotional stops.

The movie car boasts a custom-designed wide body rolling on unique Forgiato 22-inch alloy wheels. Other design elements include an enlarged lower grille with new air intakes, extended rocker panels, a twin-snorkel hood and low-profile mirrors. The visual sizzle is amplified by custom silver paint with Kona Blue racing stripes and angel-eye fog lamps in the grille.

“Mustang was cast in a leading role of the movie with screen time equal to many of the actors,” said Steve Ling, North America car marketing manager for Ford. “Director Scott Waugh challenged our team to give this central character enough personality and American masculinity to take on some of the world’s most exotic cars, just like in the popular Electronic Arts video game that inspired the movie.

“The new owner of this particular Mustang will take home a rare vehicle, and their bid will increase access to critical health care services.”

Founded in 1915, the Henry Ford Health System is one of the nation’s leading comprehensive, integrated health systems. It provides health insurance and health-care delivery, including acute-, specialty-, primary- and preventive-care services, backed by excellence in research and education. Additional information is available at http://www.henryford.com.

“Need for Speed” is one of the most successful racing video game franchises in the world, with more than 140 million games sold since the original edition debuted 20 years ago. The Dreamworks Studios film stars Aaron Paul (“Breaking Bad”), Dominic Cooper (“Captain America”), Imogen Poots (“Fright Night”) and Michael Keaton (“Batman”), and is directed by Waugh (“Act of Valor”).

Beyond the South Florida Fairgrounds auction stage, Ford will offer ride-and-drive and hot-lap experiences. The public can sample Ford’s stable of 2014 vehicles, as well as hot-lap experiences in the Shelby GT500, Focus ST and Fiesta ST. In addition, Ford is showing the all-new 2015 Mustang and 2015 F-150 in South Florida for the first time.

For auction information, visit the Barrett-Jackson website or Facebook.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams. The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for customers and deepen their loyalty. Ford develops and delivers innovative, must-have Ford trucks, sport utility vehicles, commercial vans and cars and Lincoln luxury vehicles, along with connected services. The company does that through three customer-centered business segments: Ford Blue, engineering iconic gas-powered and hybrid vehicles; Ford Model e, inventing breakthrough electric vehicles along with embedded software that defines exceptional digital experiences for all customers; and Ford Pro, helping commercial customers transform and expand their businesses with vehicles and services tailored to their needs. Additionally, Ford provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. Ford employs about 174,000 people worldwide. More information about the company and its products and services is available at corporate.ford.com.

About Need for Speed:

DreamWorks Pictures’ Need for Speed marks an exciting return to the great car culture films of the 1960s and ’70s, when the authenticity of the world brought a new level of intensity to the action on-screen. Tapping into what makes the American myth of the open road so appealing, the story chronicles a near-impossible cross-country journey for our heroes — one that begins as a mission for revenge, but proves to be one of redemption. Based on the most successful racing video game franchise ever with over 140 million copies sold, Need for Speed captures the freedom and excitement of the game in a real-world setting, while bringing to life the passion for the road that has made our love of cars so timeless.

The film centers around Tobey Marshall (Aaron Paul), a blue-collar mechanic who races muscle cars on the side in an unsanctioned street-racing circuit. Struggling to keep his family-owned garage afloat, he reluctantly partners with the wealthy and arrogant ex-NASCAR driver Dino Brewster (Dominic Cooper). But just as a major sale to car broker Julia Maddon (Imogen Poots) looks like it will save Tobey's shop, a disastrous race allows Dino to frame Tobey for a crime he didn’t commit, and sending Tobey to prison while Dino expands his business out West.

Two years later, Tobey is released and set on revenge — but he knows his only chance to take down his rival Dino is to defeat him in the high-stakes race known as De Leon — the Super Bowl of underground racing. However to get there in time, Tobey will have to run a high-octane, action-packed gauntlet that includes dodging pursuing cops coast-to-coast as well as contending with a dangerous bounty Dino has put out on his car. With the help of his loyal crew and the surprisingly resourceful Julia, Tobey defies odds at every turn and proves that even in the flashy world of exotic supercars, the underdog can still finish first.

Need for Speed is presented by DreamWorks Pictures, produced by Patrick O’Brien, John Gatins and Mark Sourian, and directed by Scott Waugh. The screenplay is by George Gatins. The story is by George Gatins & John Gatins, and, based on the video game franchise created by Electronic Arts. The film releases in U.S. theaters on March 14, 2014.

Need for Speed is a trademark of Electronic Arts Inc.