President Bush Auctions Truck For Charity
Former President George W. Bush has greatdecent taste in trucks, in my opinion, and if you play your cards right, you might just be the future owner of the truck he tooled around in at his ranch in Crawford.
The Preston Hollow resident is unloading his 2009 Ford F-150 King Ranch 4×4 SuperCrew at a Barrett-Jackson auction next year in an effort to raise funds for the Fisher House Foundation, a national program dedicated to assisting America’s military families.
For all those that don’t believe this white stalion belonged to the former Head of State, W. himself signed the passenger-side airbag with a video of said signing included in the purchase, according to a press release from Barrett-Jackson.
The only rub for local car collectors is that the auction is being held on Jan. 19 in Scottsdale, Arizona. A part of me can’t help but wonder if the pickup was tricked out like any other presidential vehicle — bulletproof glass, run-flat tires, some gadgety device, etc.
There’s no word on what the running price could get up to, but other vehicles auctioned for Fisher House included a CNN Hummer sold for $1.25 million and Jay Leno’s New Holland Tractor — surprisingly also signed by Bush — for $535,000.
Make the jump to read the full press release:
Scottsdale, Ariz. – (December 12, 2012) – Barrett-Jackson, the World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions™, announced today that it will auction off a 2009 Ford F-150 King Ranch 4×4 SuperCrew owned by President George W. Bush at its Scottsdale auction on January 19, 2013. The pick-up will cross the block at approximately 9:30 pm at the conclusion of the Salon/5000 Series segment. All proceeds from the sale of the vehicle will benefit the Fisher House Foundation, a national program dedicated to assisting America’s military families.
President Bush has used this stunning white F-150 at his Prairie Chapel Ranch in Crawford, Texas, since shortly after he left the White House in 2009. With a 5.4-Liter V8 engine commanding 310 horsepower, this impressive truck has a luxurious adobe King Ranch premium leather interior and 11,200lbs towing capacity. President Bush and former First Lady Laura Bush have since used the truck to work around their ranch; entertain friends, family, and dignitaries and to give tours of their Crawford property.
“The Fisher House Foundation is an outstanding organization, and we are honored to support their efforts and are thankful to former President Bush for his donation,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “Charitable giving is a part of Barrett-Jackson’s culture and philosophy and I can’t wait to see what happens once this truck crosses the auction block.”
The Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale represents a unique opportunity to own a piece of presidential automotive history. The truck on the block has been owned continuously by President Bush since he ordered it new from Jim Click Ford in Tucson, Ariz. The title is in the former President’s name and will be transferred directly to the buyer. Additionally, the right airbag panel features President Bush’s signature and a copy of a video showing him autographing the truck and driving it around his ranch in Crawford, Texas will be included with the purchase.
“With the help of former President Bush and the Fisher House Foundation, Barrett-Jackson is excited to be a part of this incredible sale”, said Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “Driven by a President and now benefiting veterans, this truck is an exceptional piece of Americana that would make any collector proud.”
Barrett-Jackson first sold vehicles benefitting the Fisher House Foundation in 2007, selling a CNN Hummer for $1.25 million and, most recently, Jay Leno’s New Holland Tractor (signed by President Bush) for $535,000 at the 2012 Scottsdale auction. A total of approximately $1.7 million in funds have been raised for the foundation through Barrett-Jackson auctions.
The auction of the 2009 Ford F-150 King Ranch 4×4 SuperCrew from former President Bush was facilitated by the Gordon D. Sondland and Katherine J. Durant Foundation and all proceeds from the sale will go directly to the Fisher House Foundation, with the consignment fees waived. The Sondland/Durant Foundation was established in 1993 with a mission statement of “helping families and boosting communities.” The Foundation has contributed millions of dollars since then toward children’s education, the arts, medical assistance for families and of course, support for wounded warriors and their families.
“I haven’t driven on a street in many, many years, but I have been able to drive this truck on my ranch,” said President Bush. “I want to thank all those who are supporting the Fisher House. In supporting the Fisher House, you’re supporting our veterans. And in supporting our veterans, you’re helping America.”
For more information about Barrett-Jackson and to purchase tickets to the event, visit http://www.barrett-jackson.com or call (480) 421-6694.
