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Edsel Ford Supports Program Helping JDRF and Honoring 75th Anniversary of Iconic ’32 Ford

• Ten of the premier hot rod builders in the country are constructing customized pedal cars to be auctioned for charity
• Funds will be split between the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) and the charities chosen by each of the builders
• The first of the one-off pedal cars, built by Chip Foose, was unveiled May 11, 2006 at the national convention of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation in Washington, D.C.
• Edsel B. Ford II, great grandson of Henry Ford, member of Ford Motor Company’s board of directors and longtime supporter of the JDRF, is autographing all ten cars
• The hot rod heroes charity pedal car program is part of Ford Motor Company’s activities marking the 2007 75th Anniversary of the 1932 Ford

As part of Ford Motor Company’s anniversary activities marking the 75th Anniversary of the iconic 1932 Ford, ten of today’s premier hot rod builders have been invited to produce pedal car versions of their personal style of hot rod. Each builder is starting with a special edition 75th anniversary pedal car representing the famous 1932 Ford roadster, donated by Warehouse 36. These 10 one-of-kind customized collectables, personally autographed by Edsel B. Ford II, will be auctioned in late 2007, with the proceeds divided between the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) and the charity of choice of each builder.

 The first of these hot rod masterpieces has been built by Chip Foose and made its world début at the 2006 JDRF convention in Washington, D.C. Foose has won every major hot rod award in the country – many more than once – and has been inducted into numerous design and automotive halls of fame and is the star of the TLC television series "Overhaulin’."

The other craftsmen constructing custom 1932 Ford pedal cars for charity are Bobby Alloway, Roy Brizio, Boyd Coddington, Pete Chapouris, Jesse Greening, Steve Moal, Rolling Bones, Thom Taylor and Troy Trepanier. The cars will tour the country over the next year and be auctioned in late 2007.

"JDRF is so excited to be connected with the anniversary of the Ford Deuce hot rod. The unveiling of Chip Foose’s 'souped up' pedal car at our JDRF Annual Conference was electric," said Gina Roche-Kelly, JDRF National Manager. "Everyone, and I mean everyone, wants one of their own. JDRF is so appreciative of our partnership with Ford Motor Company and the gracious support from the world’s best hot rod builders."

A display of the 75 most significant ’32 Ford hot rods of all time will kick off next year’s 75th anniversary of the celebrated 1932 Ford, a car known for its innovative engine and bold design. The 75 cars were selected by a blue ribbon panel of authorities after first nominating 474 individual ’32 Ford hot rods for consideration and then conducting two rounds of balloting. The display will be part of the 58th annual Grand National Roadster Show, the nation’s oldest annual car show, held in Pomona, Calif. January 26-28, 2007.

The 1932 Ford was a watershed vehicle for Ford, the automobile industry and American culture. Combining the innovative engineering of Henry Ford, in the form of the first mass-produced V-8 engine, with the design sophistication of his son Edsel, the ’32 Ford brought a new level of performance and flair to the general public. Years after its introduction, the ’32 Ford played a major role in another revolution – the development of the hot rod. Built from cast-off cars in backyards and small garages, and assembled by young enthusiasts with remarkable ingenuity and intuitive engineering, these cars performed far beyond their original capabilities and often rivaled the performance of the best in the world. The hot rod impacted many forms of motorsports and is one of the foundations of today’s $31 billion aftermarket industry.

Numerous events, museum exhibits, several books and wide range other commemorations around the country are being planned to mark the 75th anniversary of the 1932 Ford. Ford’s creation of the Hot Rod Heroes charity pedal car program, the list of "THE 75" Deuces and the planned display of the "75 Most Influential ’32 Ford Hot Rods" are designed to support and integrate with these other efforts. Ford will utilize the anniversary of its iconic 1932 model to celebrate the company’s heritage of engineering innovation, performance and design leadership. Ford Racing Performance Parts, Ford Powertrain and Ford Licensing are among the Ford components participating in the 75th anniversary activities.