Austin Hatcher Foundation's Custom-Built Car Auction Set to Drive Support for Pediatric Cancer
- Custom Cobra built by childhood cancer families as part of Industrial Arts Therapy
- Factory Five Racing Mk4 Roadster to auction on Bring A Trailer January 12-19, 2024
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (Jan. 12, 2024) – The Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer (AHF), an official SEMA Cares Charity and Proud Charity of the International Motorsports Association (IMSA), announces the auction of a custom-built Factory Five Racing Mk4 Roadster on Bring a Trailer, scheduled from Jan. 12–19, 2024. All funds raised from this auction will go to helping families faced with childhood cancer.
This Factory Five Racing Mk4 Roadster is a Shelby Cobra replica that was built in 2023 by the students of the Industrial Therapy STEM program offered by AHF. Powered by a BluePrint Engines-built 347ci V8 linked to a Tremec five-speed manual transmission and a Moser Engineering 8.8" rear axle, the car is finished in “No Strings White” over Can-Can Red leather upholstery. Additional details include staggered 15" Halibrand-style wheels, four-wheel disc brakes, Koni adjustable coilovers, rack-and-pinion power steering, dual roll hoops, a rear luggage rack, Simpson four-point harnesses, and a heater in addition to Holley Sniper electronic fuel injection, a polished serpentine belt kit, and an aluminum radiator with an electric fan.
This one-of-a-kind Cobra was crafted by young cancer patients, siblings and families at the foundation's Education Advancement Center in Chattanooga, Tenn. With 16 years of providing comprehensive care to families, the AHF Industrial Arts Therapy Program has partnered with industry leaders, delivering a unique blend of education and therapy for children affected by cancer. This Mk4 Roadster project marks the foundation's 16th complete car build since its inception in 2006.
“It’s a gorgeous car, but what makes this vehicle build extraordinary is the teamwork that brought it to life,” said Daniel Fosbiner, the foundation’s Industrial Arts Manager. “Pediatric cancer patients, survivors, their siblings, and family members actively participated in the project, providing them with a unique outlet for learning, creativity and overcoming the challenges they face as a side effect of cancer treatment.”
Through the foundation’s Industrial Arts - STEM Therapy program, children and their families not only learn a STEM-based trade but also improve their coordination, behavioral skills, memory, and more, which may have been affected by childhood cancer.
The collaboration between AHF and its build partners serves as a continued series of special fundraising initiatives that raise awareness for the foundation both regionally and nationally. This project underscores AHF's commitment to offering comprehensive care and mental health services at no cost to pediatric cancer patients and their families across the nation.
This Mk4 Roadster is now offered at no reserve with custom Bulox leather matching luggage, a tool roll, two keys, a car cover, a tonneau cover, and a clean Tennessee title listing the vehicle as a 1965 FFR1 F5R specially constructed vehicle. Proceeds from the auction, including the Bring a Trailer buyer’s fee, will be donated to AHF.
The following companies contributed parts and services for this build:
Factory Five Racing
Bulox Leather
Whitby Motorcars
The Dream Car Company
Russ Thompson
Metro Motorsports
Speedway Motors
Fully Loaded Interiors
Sikkens Paint Products: Kindig Modern Classikk "No Strings White"
Concept Designer: Jim Osborn
Concept Artist: Jon Fontaine
Scott's Hot Rods
The Dream Car Company
Metco Motorsports
Painted by AkzoNobel Coating Inc.
“We are so grateful to our partners for their donations of parts, time and energy,” said Amy Jo Osborn, CEO and co-founder of AHF. “Their unwavering support fuels our mission to provide comprehensive care and hope to pediatric cancer patients and their families. Together, we're driving change and making a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve. Thank you for being a vital part of the Austin Hatcher Foundation family."
The Foundation remains dedicated to providing comprehensive coordinated care for families facing pediatric cancer, offering a range of services such as occupational therapy, counseling, grief groups, art and music therapy, family programs, educational resources, and more, all provided at no cost to the entire family facing childhood cancer. To learn more about AHF or to get involved, visit www.hatcherfoundation.org/.
Auction Details
The auction for the Factory Five Racing Mk4 Roadster will be available on Bring A Trailer's auction page from Friday, Jan. 12–19, 2024.
For more information, details about the car, partners, photos and updates, visit the Austin Hatcher Foundation's 23rd Build Page.
