Kenny Brown CSR-69 Mustang to Be Auctioned at Mecum Spring Classic Collector Car Auction

The Kenny Brown CSR-69 Mustang could be your chance to own a piece of Ford Mustang automotive history, and a stunning open-track, street, show and collector car all in one! The Kenny Brown CSR-69 is a very rare, one-of-one concept car that was designed and hand-built by Kenny himself for the annual SEMA Automotive Trade Show in Las Vegas, NV.

Now it appears the Kenny Brown CSR-69 will be sold at Dana Mecum's Spring Classic Collector Car Auction held each year in Indianapolis at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.

For automotive enthusiasts and collectors alike, this annual event is at the top of their list as it draws thousands of people over the full six-day schedule. Thousands of collector cars, all going up on the auction block, are on display. There is a large manufacturer's midway where attendees can touch and feel a wide range of automotive goodies.

Kenny Brown built the stunning CSR-69 concept car using one of Ford's next-generation Mustangs for the 2005 SEMA trade show, and dedicated significant time and resources to the project. Anyone who has ever been lucky enough to gain admission into the world's largest aftermarket automotive event has probably seen Kenny's creations in the massive Ford Motor Company exhibit.

Kenny Brown has engineered "image" and "brand-building" vehicles in collaboration with Ford for nearly 20 years. He has played a key role in Ford Mustang racing heritage, having championed his legendary racing Mustangs to countless victories and world championships for more than two decades. Additionally, he has worked with some of the most recognizable pro drivers in sports car racing including Parnelli Jones, George Follmer, Lyn St. James, and Bob Bondurant, just to name a few.

The one-of-a-kind Kenny Brown CSR-69 Mustang is customized with his "Throwback Mustang '69 wide-body" styling package handcrafted by skilled artisans in Detroit. The body work artfully conceals serious hardware and very big wheels and tires, but it will make your eyes melt from visual stimulation and send a chill shuttering through any discerning automotive enthusiast's body.

The modern-day "retro" wide-body started in a studio where it was clay sculpted by some of the same Detroit craftsmen that build concept cars for the "Big 3".

Molds were taken from the clay concept, glass-fiber parts were prototyped from the molds, and the new body panels were bonded on one of the first 2005 production Mustangs. The master's last touch was hand-finishing and painting with a special "Red Hot Red" from Matrix paint systems and is loosely based on the same hues used by Ferrari.

The finished product is so artful and stunning it looks factory original. Your eyes almost pass right by the exceptionally wide tires and other high-tech accompaniments. However, as a tribute to Kenny's long-term partnerships with many of the industry's top suppliers and manufacturers, he represents the combined group throughout the concept.

Of course, that means there are lots of Ford Racing Performance Parts, but you'll also find OMP interior appointments, Forgeline billet aluminum modular wheels, Pirelli racing tires, H&R shocks and springs, and genuine Kenny Brown chassis and advanced geometry suspension system.

That's just the short list and there is no part of the car that has been left untouched. Other additions include a custom street cage, racing harnesses, and fire system that extend the concept with modern safety features.

What's most significant is Kenny Brown is synonymous with suspension design and engineering. The CSR-69 has been the proving grounds and a "test mule" for his latest range of what Brown refers to as "Advanced Geometry" suspension systems.

In this example, Kenny dissected suspension geometry and through computer simulation, "reinvented the wheel" with the outcome that can only compete with world-class sports cars from the likes of Porsche, BMW, and Ferrari. The level of grip and handling he managed to squeeze out of this purpose-built suspension is beyond belief!

The Kenny Brown CSR-69 was the last vehicle Kenny built prior to closing Kenny Brown Performance and their mega-tech center in Indianapolis, IN. This car was slated to be a catalyst for another turning point in Kenny's career and the first next-generation Mustang he would use to develop and track test his new GT-4 performance package for the new retro-inspired Ford Mustang.

Unfortunately, Brown suffered serious medical issues and needed to turn his attention elsewhere, but has always continued to stay active in the automotive community. Thankfully, Kenny has now emerged strongly after his multi-year medical hiatus.

Industry insiders are once again talking Kenny Brown and rumors of his return to glory are rippling through the grapevine. Brown was recently spotted by a group of automotive enthusiasts at Heidts Hot Rod Shop outside Chicago. The latest rumor is a pending merge of the two companies to build one monster chassis and suspension manufacturing operation.

Aside from rumors and industry-insider rumblings one thing is certain. Kenny Brown's gorgeous CSR-69 is pure eye-candy and an absolute people and camera magnet drawing huge crowds everywhere it appears.

I had the pleasure of seeing, up close and personal, this magnificent piece of automotive art and history at the Ford Mustang 45th Anniversary Celebration at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, AL in 2009.

If you're lucky enough to see it in person, you better get in line as this was the most photographed car at the Mustang 45th event. Kenny's CSR-69 has also been featured in many magazines including; Muscle Mustangs & Fast Fords, Mustang Enthusiast, Mustang Times, and on a plethora of internet automotive and enthusiast websites. There's also some great video on Kenny Brown's website at www.KennyBrown.com.

According to a recent blog post by Brown, "Drivers, both professional and amateur, who have driven this awesome CSR-69 concept car, agree it is arguably the best handling Mustang they have ever driven." And it should be, as we are talking about nearly $250,000 to build the CSR-69.

To many people that may seem a little excessive in terms of cost, but those who have worked on similar concept vehicle projects concur the cost would be consistent with the quality and complexity of a one-off prototype. Certainly we have seen cars of equal importance, and with such great heritage, go for big money at auction.

The 24th Dana Mecum Annual Spring Classic at the Indiana State Fairgrounds will be held May 17-22, 2011 and just like every year prior, will be an event you don't want to miss. They provide something for everyone in the family, from young to old.

Collectors can mill through thousands of cars ranging from custom hot rods, classic cars and trucks, vintage muscle cars, late-model vehicles of all types, and special one-of-a-kind concept cars like the Kenny Brown CSR-69.

For visitors who attend the event, but don't plan to bid, there is still plenty to do and see throughout the facility.

The eye candy is aplenty for sure, but the manufacturers midway will be teeming with booths and exhibits where visitors can purchase automotive art, automotive apparel, old and new OEM automobile parts, aftermarket automotive and racing parts, automotive novelty items, and of course great food. Who knows, maybe you can even get your picture taken with Kenny Brown alongside his CSR-69 Mustang.

Sources:
Kenny Brown
Mecum Automotive Auctions