The Charity Hammer Drops Again
Ford has a sort of tradition of auctioning the first production example—VIN 001—for charity. After auctioning the first Mustang Dark Horse unit in 2024, the Blue Oval brand is once again following the same playbook, this time consigning the new Dark Horse SC to Barrett-Jackson. The example heading to auction comes equipped with the Track Pack.
Like the original Mustang Dark Horse, proceeds from the VIN 001 Mustang Dark Horse SC will benefit Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF), helping fund research into type 1 diabetes. While Ford has yet to disclose every detail surrounding the new Mustang variant, whoever ultimately secures the vehicle will benefit from its significant performance upgrades.
Ford
Born From the Track
The Mustang Dark Horse SC builds on development insights from the S650 Mustang GT3 racecar and the Mustang GTD halo model. The “SC” designation refers to the use of a supercharger, with the forced-induction system mounted atop a 5.2-liter V8. Ford has not released official power figures, though expectations are that the SC will be deliberately positioned below the Mustang GTD’s 815-horsepower output.
Enhancing its track-focused credentials further is the Track Pack, which adds a host of high-end performance hardware. This includes a distinct MagneRide damper calibration, lightweight carbon-fiber wheels, and carbon-ceramic brakes derived from the GTD program, among other upgrades. The package also brings aerodynamic revisions, such as a ducktail decklid and an exposed carbon-fiber rear wing, developed to generate up to 620 pounds of downforce.
Ford
Wildest Dark Horse For the Road
Pricing for the Dark Horse SC has not yet been announced. For reference, the standard Mustang Dark Horse—powered by a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter Coyote V8 producing 500 horsepower—starts at approximately $64,080.
In many ways, the Mustang Dark Horse SC can be viewed as the S650 generation’s equivalent of the Shelby GT500. It stands as one of Ford’s latest performance-oriented initiatives, alongside the brand’s imminent return to Formula 1 and the ongoing development of a Hypercar-class entry for endurance racing. Beyond winning over car enthusiasts, it’s also worth noting that the company continues to leverage highly coveted VIN 001 examples as a means of giving back to the community.
This VIN 001 2026 Mustang Dark Horse SC, equipped with the Track Pack, is scheduled to cross the auction block on January 24.
Ford
