December 23, 2015
Posted By : Barrett-Jackson
Written By : independent automotive journalist Steve Magnante

CAR WITH A CAUSE: The Craftsman Tools Comet-R streaks across the stage for Special Operation Warrior’s Foundation

CAR WITH A CAUSE: The Craftsman Tools Comet-R streaks across the stage for Special Operation Warrior’s Foundation

December 23, 2015
Posted by Barrett-Jackson

Written by independent automotive journalist Steve Magnante

Craftsman Comet

Frequent viewers and visitors to the Barrett-Jackson collector car events know that charity is a major part of each auction. Over the years, Barrett-Jackson has raised nearly $85 million dollars for charity as a way to acknowledge the selfless acts of others – and give thanks.

In the case of the Craftsman Tools 1965 Mercury Comet-R, the Craftsman Tools team was set on building one heck of a fun car – then selling at auction to benefit the Special Operations Warrior Foundation (SOWF). Based in Tampa, Florida, the SOWF was founded in 1980 to provide financial assistance to severely wounded and hospitalized special operations personnel, as well as to the families of personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty.

To further the cause, Craftsman Tools teamed with Hot Rod Chassis and Cycle to create a hot rod that was sure to attract plenty of attention – and strong bids. Starting with a clean 1965 Caliente hardtop donor car, the team transformed every system – brakes, suspension, safety and running gear – using the best modern aftermarket components available. The resulting Comet-R incorporates Wilwood disc brakes, custom one-off Weld “Riverside” wheels, Nitto tires, a T56 6-speed manual transmission from Hurst Driveline, Ridetech coil-spring front and rear suspension, Moser 9-inch rear axle, Pro-Car seats, Stewart-Warner gauges, and a multi-point roll cage for passenger safety – and maximum chassis stiffness.

Under the Cyclone-style hood, a 427 Windsor small-block-based Roush 427R with electronic-controlled Hilborn 8-stack fuel injection replaces the original 289 2-barrel. While the Comet-R may look like a race car, standing ready to thrill driver and passenger alike with 550hp and 535 ft/lbs of torque, it’s been proven to be completely at home on the street.

With months of public validation behind it, the Craftsman Tools Comet-R rolled onto the Barrett-Jackson auction block during the 2015 Reno, Nevada, event. After several minutes of fevered bidding, it sold for $100,000, 100 percent of which was donated to the Special Operation Warrior’s Foundation.

After the sale, Barrett-Jackson Chairman and CEO Craig Jackson said, “It’s in our long tradition to team up with organizations seeking to make a difference in the lives of the servicemen and servicewomen of this country and their families. We’re honored to take part in giving back to the courageous and selfless individuals that make our country so great.”

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