Lot #5005.1 - In January 2006 Ron Pratte bought the Ford Motors Company's newest car, a 2007 Ford Shelby GT500 VIN 00001 that benefited Carroll Shelby's Children's Foundation. In the past Ford reserved the first fifty cars produced for Ford family members and senior executives or by other people on a selective list. Ford was so grateful to Ron for his generosity they offered him the opportunity to buy two more, VIN 00002 and VIN 00005. While Ron is keeping VIN 00001, he is selling the orange Coupe and matching convertible as a pair. The successful bidder will get both cars for on price. These cars are special in other ways as well, as part of the purchase of VIN 00001 was a trip to the Flat Rock assembly plant where these legendary cars are manufactured. At the end of the tour of the assembly plant Ron was presented with the keys to VIN 00001, VIN 00002 and VIN 00005 by Carroll Shelby and Carroll autographed all three cars for Ron. Along with his cars were three other 2007 Shelby GT 5000's, for Carroll Shelby, Steve Davis and Gary Bennett. Ron then threw Ford a curve and said he didn't want any of these cars shipped by rail to the owners, he wanted them trucked, enclosed, to his facility in Chandler Arizona bypassing the traditional dealer delivery and inspections. All of the cars including Carroll's personal GT 500 were delivered to the respective owner this way. This is a unique opportunity to own two pieces of Shelby and Ford history. From the Ron Pratte Collection. **SOLD AS A PAIR WITH LOT 5005.2**