Exclusive Ford GT Up for Auction at American Cancer Society Fundraiser Presented By Ford Motor Company

Third Annual American Cancer Society Cattle Baron's Ball in Detroit Slated for September 10

SOUTHFIELD, Mich., July 19 -- As Detroit auto barons prepare once again for the 2005 American Cancer Society Cattle Baron's Ball Saturday, September 10, at the Michigan State Fairgrounds, one lucky bidder can take home an incredible piece of automotive history -- a one-of-a-kind Ford GT.

The 2005 Ford GT presented at this year's American Cancer Society Cattle Baron's Ball auction has been painted in Sonic Blue with Centennial White racing stripes.

Just as the original GT40 racecars took the world's racing scene by storm in the late 1960s, the new Ford GT has stirred things up throughout the exotic-car world. With performance capable of acceleration from 0-60 miles per hour in under 3.5 seconds, and a top speed of more than 200 miles per hour, the Ford GT is truly dedicated to the performance enthusiast.

The 2005 Ford GT for auction is VIN# 1FAFP90SX5Y400349, and includes BBS forged-aluminum wheels, red-painted brake calipers, and McIntosh Audiophile AM/FM Stereo System with single CD. Retail price for this Ford GT is $156,595. As a bonus to the top bidder, the GT and two die-cast GTs will be signed by Ford Motor Company Chairman and CEO Bill Ford, and Camilo Pardo, who designed the supercar. Also included will be a commemorative plaque and a limited-edition set of Pardo's lithographs, autographed by him, chronicling the evolution of the vehicle.

"Auction of the Ford GT provides an exciting way to show support for a great cause," said Greg Smith, president of the Americas and executive vice president, Ford Motor Company, and executive chair of this year's event along with his wife, Ann. "Almost everyone has been touched by cancer in some way. Ford Motor Company is honored to partner with the American Cancer Society in sponsoring the 2005 Cattle Baron's Ball."

Since 2003, the American Cancer Society Cattle Baron's Ball in Detroit has enjoyed record-breaking success, having raised a total of nearly $3 million, and is recognized as one of the area's most distinctive charitable events. Funds raised at the Ball help support numerous activities, including a $130 million national research program, which has supported 38 Nobel Prize-winning researchers to date.

The concept of Cattle Baron's Ball was launched in Texas in the 1970s and has proven to be a successful fundraising model, raising millions of dollars nationwide each year. This volunteer-driven event is led and attended by some of the nation's most influential automotive executives and supported by the Detroit-area's top corporate and medical organizations. The Ball is described as an evening filled with diamonds, denim and down-home fun, complete with a live headline entertainer. The western-themed event features midway games, live music, auctions, mechanical bull riding and Texas-style cuisine. Tickets for the 2005 Ball are $200 each, and availability is limited.

Car enthusiasts interested in becoming the proud new owner of this exclusive Ford GT are encouraged to contact the American Cancer Society's metro Detroit office at 248.483.4333 for more information on off-site bidding opportunities or event tickets.

The American Cancer Society is the nationwide, community-based, voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. The American Cancer Society is available 24 hours a day and seven days a week by calling 1-800-ACS-2345 or visiting http://www.cancer.org/ .