Shelby G.T.500E Convertible Fetches World Record $550,800 at Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach Auction

PALM BEACH, Fla.--April 2, 2005--The first 1968 Shelby G.T.500E convertible sold for a world record $550,800 during the 3rd Annual Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach Collector Car Auction on April 2, 2005 at the South Florida Expo Center in Palm Beach, Fla. After a spirited battle, the winning bidder captured the only Shelby G.T.500E convertible in the world with a portion of the sale benefiting the Carroll Shelby Children's Foundation.

"Shelby vehicles continue to attract collectors because they offer spectacular performance, sizzling good looks and exclusivity," commented Craig Jackson, president of the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company. "We've auctioned the first car of a continuation Shelby model three times, and each has attracted record prices. We're excited that another Shelby world record was set at a Barrett-Jackson Auction."

Built by Unique Performance for Mr. Shelby, the G.T.500E convertible is the latest Shelby continuation car. The Shelby G.T.500E convertible featured a 525 HP aluminum small block with fuel injection, five-speed Tremec transmission and a Unique Performance Parts rear suspension upgrade. This vehicle was the first documented Shelby G.T.500E convertible, giving the new owner a rare opportunity to snag an original piece of automotive history.

"A Barrett-Jackson auction is the perfect place to offer a Shelby as their buyers prize style, performance and collectability," said Douglas Hasty, president and CEO of Unique Performance. "And we're proud that a portion of the sale of this special car will benefit the Carroll Shelby Children's Foundation(TM)."

The Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach Auction is scheduled for Friday, April 1st to Sunday, April 3rd, 2005, at the South Florida Expo Center in Palm Beach with the gala night on Thursday, March 31. This year's banner event includes over 400 quality collector cars with exclusive TV auction coverage by PEE Channel. For more information, please visit www.barrett-jackson.com.

About Barrett-Jackson

Established in 1971, Barrett-Jackson specializes in providing products and services to classic and collector car owners, astute collectors and automotive enthusiasts worldwide. The company produces the "World's Greatest Classic Car Auction" in Scottsdale, Ariz., and has expanded to other venues including Palm Beach, Florida and Southern California. For more information, visit www.barrett-jackson.com or call 480-421-6694.