Debuted at SEMA in 2007, the Ford Mustang FR500S put the Mustang back on the racetrack. Unlike previous Mustangs in motorsport, these were not converted elsewhere to racing specifications; the FR500S would be built alongside street-legal Mustangs in-house at Ford’s Flat Rock Assembly Plant in Michigan.

Starting with a Mustang GT coupe, the FR500S is stripped of 300 pounds of street-car luxuries not necessary for use on the track. The car’s 4.6-liter SOHC V-8 remains internally unchanged but is now fitted with a new intake and Borla exhaust system. In addition, the Mustang was fitted with a stiffer suspension with adjustable shocks and lowered ride-height, while 14-inch Brembo brakes and racing slicks help grind the car to a halt. An aggressive front splitter and large rear wing help to keep the car planted on the grand and complete its focused look. A single racing seat with a six-point harness is fitted for the driver; there are no other creature comforts to speak of.

The FR500S could be had as a track-day toy, but the vast majority of buyers purchased them specifically to compete in the new Ford Mustang Challenge series. Seventy-seven examples were built, and each example cost $75,000 in race-ready condition, a relative bargain for entry into a racing series.

Delivered new in 2008 to Miller Motorsports Park in Tooele, Utah, it was raced in every event for the 2008 Ford Racing Mustang Challenge, accumulating a trio of 4th place finishes, two 5th place finishes, and a 7th and 9th place finish. While the car did not race in 2009, it returned to the track for the 2010 season, where it competed in five races, with its best finish being 2nd place at Watkins Glen. The car proved to be quite competitive with Mike McGovern behind the wheel, and it would surely still be very exciting to drive at speed. Furthermore, it is important to note that the car is accompanied by its original build sheet.

All proceeds from the sale of the FR550 will benefit the Malcolm Smith Motorsports Foundation. A non-profit 501(c)(3) foundation established in 1998, the Malcolm Smith Motorsports Foundation assisted in developing the El Oasis Orphanage on the Baja Peninsula of Mexico, near the village of Valle Trinidad. Housing at-risk orphans, the Foundation aims to provide a better life for the orphans through providing them with their basic needs and a fully funded education, ranging from kindergarten to university.

At the time the Foundation became involved with El Oasis, the orphanage consisted of just one building, but with their help and support, El Oasis was able to flourish and provide the children with not only a quality education, but also a safe and welcoming place to call home. The Foundation has spearheaded a number of projects to help improve the quality of life at the orphanage, including the installation of water and electrical systems, irrigation and the planting of over 400 trees, the purchase of beds and bedroom furniture, and even the construction of playgrounds and ball courts. With 25–30 children currently at the orphanage, the Foundation provides them with an incredible opportunity to enrich their lives and give back to their own community through the gift of a high-quality education. The Foundation has no overhead or paid employees, ensuring that every dollar donated goes directly to the children and the orphanage.

Needless to say, this is a wonderful opportunity to acquire a seldom seen, modern racing car for a great cause.