If you had to take a wild guess at which Hollywood celebrity had a custom-built 1966 Mustang convertible extensively fitted with ex-NASCAR gear and a variety of other track-worthy upgrades back in 2006 it would be a tough ask. Sylvester Stallone perhaps or maybe even Steven Seagal, you probably wouldn’t have picked wild man Charlie Sheen but that’s who is responsible for this automotive gem.

The Mustang is no longer owned by Sheen but is on sale in a charity auction and is expected to raise some serious coin. The auction page claims it would cost US$300,000 to build a car like this and while that seems high, the modifications (view below) are very extensive.

Under the bonnet lies a 358-cubic-inch Winston Cup engine, there’s huge Wilwood brakes and a fully upgraded suspension set-up. This Mustang is geared up for some winning. (more…)

The team at Advanti Racing Alloys have donated a brand new set of 17-inch rims for a charity auction currently running on Trade Me.

It’s a sweet deal, you buy a fresh set of alloys for a good cause with all proceeds going to the Cure Kids charity. It’s a $1 reserve auction for the alloys with bidding currently around the $600 mark.

The highest bidder at 8pm this Sunday night can choose any style of 17-inch Advanti racing alloys from the current range. But it gets even better, the rims will come wrapped in a set of Nankang ultra high performance tyres. Tyre size will depend on the winners ride (excludes 4WD or SUV vehicles). (more…)

Holden’s V8 Supercars Charity Auction kicked off yesterday on the Trade Me website and there’s a raft of exclusive memorabilia on offer to raise funds for the New Zealand Leukaemia & Blood Foundation.

The auction started at 8am on Monday 13 April at www.trademe.co.nz/holden, features an exclusive experience with V8 Supercar Driver Jason Richards, where the winner and a friend will get a personal tour of the pit facilities along with the opportunity to sit in Jason’s car. Greg Murphy’s 2008 team uniform and a limited edition Hamilton 400 jacket signed by Garth Tander are among the 13 items included in the auction.

Simon Carr, Holden New Zealand managing director says the auction brings together two areas close to Holden’s heart, Supercar racing and community support. “Holden has long been a supporter of the Leukaemia & Blood Foundation providing vehicles for its patient support services staff, he says.” “Our sponsorship of the Hamilton 400 provided a great opportunity to bring the two together to raise vital funds for LBF.”

Pru Etchevery, the LBF executive director says she has been overwhelmed by the generosity of the Supercar Drivers involved. “The drivers have donated some unique items and all proceeds will go towards our patient support services to ensure that patients and their families have the advice, empathy and support they need,” she says. “We are also grateful for Holden’s active and generous involvement in our work.”

Greg Murphy, V8 Supercar driver says the auction is a great way for teams to give back to the New Zealand community. “I’m pleased to donate an item that will hopefully bring enjoyment to a Holden V8 Supercars fan and raise money for such an important cause. I encourage all Holden fans to check the auction out.”

The auction also features unique items such as the rear bumper from Todd Kelly’s Jack Daniels vehicle. The bumper comes complete with damage sustained during race two of the Australian GP this year where the vehicle was hit from behind by Brad Jone’s Racing driver, Cameron McConville. The bumper has been personally autographed by both Todd and Rick Kelly.

The damaged rear bumper end from Lee Holdsworth’s Garry Rogers Motorsport vehicle is also on offer. The damage was sustained over the Bahrain and Tasmania rounds and rumour has it that some of it was caused by team member Michael Caruso getting a bit to close! The bumper is signed by both drivers.

Holden’s V8 Supercars Charity Auction will close at 8pm on Sunday 19 April 2009. However bids for the exclusive Jason Richards experience will close at 7pm on Thursday 12 April 2009.

The Leukaemia & Blood Foundation (LBF) is the only organisation in New Zealand dedicated to supporting patients and their families living with leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma and related blood conditions. Since 1977 its work has been made possible through fundraising and the generous support received from individuals, companies, trusts and grants. The LBF does not receive government funding.

Click here to go to the V8 Supercars Charity Auction web page.