General Motors Chairman and CEO Dan Akerson is selling his personal 1958 Chevrolet Corvette in an auction on Jan. 18, 2013 to help raise money for Habitat for Humanity Detroit. The classic vehicle will be auctioned off by Barrett-Jackson Auction Company based in Scottsdale, Arizona.
"The 1958 Corvette is pure American ingenuity and creativity and the free spirit that Chevrolet represents to me. I love the car - but I think it's probably better purposed somewhere else," Akerson said in a press release issued by Chevy. "The need for Habitat for Humanity is so great that I thought, 'Wow, maybe I could really make a difference in a whole different way.'"
"I hope the new owner will feel like their money is going to a good place," Akerson said in the press release. "It will help families become more rooted in our community. At the same time, they're going to have new memories and new fun of their own. It's not often you can get all of it packaged into a great car, great fun, great memories and that you're doing something good at the same time."
The 1958 Corvette is equipped with a V-8 engine that can achieve 245-HP and new instrument panels and upholstery for the winning bidder. The car also includes twin chrome trunk spears and duel headlamps which was a first for Corvette vehicles in 1958.
Chevy only built 9,168 1958 models that year and only 510 were painted Regal Turquoise according to the press release.
The car is being sold by Akerson to help rebuild the Morningside Commons neighborhood located near GM's Renaissance Center world headquarters in Detroit, MI. This is hardly the first time Akerson has helped out Havitat for Humanity however as just this past February he and his wife donated $1 million to help create the "Leaders to Rebuild Detroit." The organization helps serve at least 500 families near Morningside through rehabilitation, energy efficient upgrades and house construction according to the press release.
"The fact that Dan is giving up a car that I know must mean an awful lot to him is very humbling," said Vincent Tilford, executive director of Habitat for Humanity Detroit in the press release. "For whoever buys this classic car, not only are they going to give it a new home, but they're also going to give new, better and healthier homes to families in this neighborhood - and actually help rebuild an entire community."
Click here for more photos and details on the auction or call 480-421-6694.
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