Two Classy Ford Concept Cars Head to Auction

History is full of has-beens, also-rans, and could-have-beens. The automotive world is full of great and ambitious designs that never panned out in reality. Other concepts were morphed and molded until they no longer resembled to forward-looking design that people clamored for. Some concepts are crushed, others locked away. But a lucky few escape to the hands of eager auction goers, who will pay a premium to own a one-of-a-kind car.

Autoblog reports that RM Auctions is putting up two unique Ford concept cars, the 2005 Shelby GR-1 Concept and the Thunderbird Sports Roadster Concept.

The Shelby GR-1 debuted in 2004, and reportedly cost $2.2 million to put together. A princely sum indeed for a car powered by a 6.4 liter V10 engine that somehow produced only 600 horsepower and 500 ft-lbs of torque. The GR-1 drew its influence from the earlier Shelby Cobra Concept, as well as the original Shelby Daytona. Despite the huge price tag of building this car, RM Auctions only expects it to fetch between $125,000 and $200,000.

Meanwhile the Thunderbird Sport Roadster Concept represents the last of a rare breed. Though the 2002 Ford Thunderbird won all sorts of accolades from its peers, both dealerships lacking experience selling $40,000 Ford cars and underwhelming engine performance sealed its fate. The 2001 Thunderbird Sport Roadster Concept came around just as the Thunderbird started hitting dealerships. It was really just an upscale version of an upscale car, and Ford ultimately failed to offer a supercharged Thunderbird that may have injected some life into the overweight and underpowered roadster. But the concept is still expected to bring well into the six-figures, as much as $200,000. A little piece of Ford history from a car that may (or may not) make a comeback anytime soon. The proceeds from both auctions will go to benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund.