The 2008 Ford Shelby GT500KR sold for $550,000, while the 2008 Dodge Challenger brought up the rear, selling for $400,000. Each automaker donated money from the sale of the muscle cars to a designated charity.
The Challenger was purchased by Barrett-Jackson Chairman and CEO Craig Jackson who said, "When the new Challenger crossed the block, we decided it was a great opportunity for the Barrett-Jackson team to jump in."
The auction house characterized the bidding over the three retro-inspired vehicles as "muscle car wars reborn." The event had lots of red-carpet glitz, with Tonight Show host Jay Leno piloting the ZR1 across the block. Carroll Shelby revved up the crowd during the sale of the GT500KR.
Ford donated the proceeds of the GT500KR to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, while GM donated a portion of the proceeds of the Corvette's winning bid to United Way. The proceeds from the new Challenger were donated to Not My Kid, Inc.
What this means to you: The Corvette ZR1 is undoubtedly the hottest property at Barrett-Jackson's "muscle car wars." — Anita Lienert, Correspondent