Staff Report, Photography by Sam Haymart
01.22.07: Roush Performance for the first time in their company history placed some of their vehicles in the Barrett-Jackson collector car auction. The 2007 event in Scottsdale was a record setting event once again, and for Roush was a fitting venue to showcase a number of it’s special vehicles to be sold. The three cars sold were taken from Jack Roush’s personal collection of vehicles.
The first car across the block was a NASCAR Nextel Cup Ford Fusion from Roush Racing. It was driven by Mark Martin 2003 through 2006. According to Roush, Martin drove for Roush for 19 seasons accumulating 35 wins in the prestigious Cup series, the pinnacle of stock car racing. Martin piloted this Ford Fusion in eight races. The car is designated by ROUSH Racing as RK-007, and remains as last raced in the 2006 paint scheme of sponsor AAA, though it also competed in Viagra livery. This vehicle was Lot 1286 and sold for $71,500 including commissions. A great buy.
Second across the stage was the now famous “BlackJack” Stage 3 Mustang prototype that was driven personally by Jack Roush during the 2006 NASCAR season. According to Roush, this car was often referred to as "Nitemare." It was built as a feasibility vehicle, designed entirely from Roush’s own vision and he personally supervised the construction of this menacing black-on-black car. The moniker was derived from both the color and Roush’s first name as homage to his involvement. The car has a polished ROUSHcharger which boosts the horsepower to 430, and a variety of other polished billet aluminum accessories under the hood. This is the prototype for a limited run of 100 ROUSH Stage 3 “BlackJack” Mustangs to be built in 2007. The "BlackJack" was lot number 1286.1 and sold for $75,000 (82,500 with commissions)
Saving the best for last, a custom built 1932 Roush Hi-Boy Roadster prototype that was built to Jack’s own specifications and vision. According to Roush, this is also a feasibility study vehicle for a potential ROUSH Performance version of the famous ‘32 Roadster, and is a one-of-one vehicle which will not be reproduced in its current form. Always hands-on with his projects, Roush has his vision imprinted throughout this car as well. He personally chose the engine, a ROUSH Performance 402IR crate motor which puts out 500 horsepower and 500 lb.-ft. torque. Roush was also responsible for the interior design, choice of the lush burgundy color, and oversaw each step of the build process. This car was listed as lot number 1286.2 and sold for an astounding $220,000 ($242,000 with commissions)
For the first time out Roush had a good moment in the spotlight. The Hi-Boy Roadster was obviously the collector favorite. Sale prices of the Roush “BlackJack” Mustang and the NASCAR Fusion were not as stratospheric however. “BlackJack” sold for only a small amount more than a dealer might try at MSRP. Given it was Jack Roush’s personal ride, the car will likely prove out to be a good buy for the lucky bidder in the long run.
|
