The sale of a VIN #001 2016 Camaro SS fetched $500,000 in support of Kettering University at the Barrett-Jackson annual collector car and charity auction on January 30.

The vehicle, donated by General Motors with Kettering designated as the charity to receive the auction proceeds, was purchased by Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports and founder of the Hendrick Automotive Group.

“We are grateful for the support of Kettering University students from General Motors and Rick Hendrick,” said Kettering University President Dr. Robert K. McMahan. “It’s fitting that this particular vehicle -- which has components designed and built by Kettering University alumni -- will now help provide resources for the education of future generations of scientists, engineers and innovators.”

The money raised will be used for several student-centered initiatives, including providing scholarships, supporting pre-college programming and providing resources for classrooms and labs that ensure Kettering University students have access to state-of-the-art technology and equipment to prepare them for incredible careers.

“General Motors has a long and proud history of supporting students pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics,” said Gerald Johnson, GM vice president of Operational Excellence, key executive for Kettering University and Class of 1985. “We’re thrilled that Rick Hendrick’s donation will go toward helping GM continue that legacy of supporting education by making scholarships and state-of-the-art equipment available to the next generation’s workforce.”

The vehicle auctioned in support of Kettering was one of a number of vehicles auctioned in support of charities during this year’s 45th Anniversary Auction, held in Scottsdale, Arizona. Other vehicles included a 2017 Acura NSX VIN #001, the Chevrolet COPO Camaro VIN #001, a custom 2016 Ford Focus RS and Jay Leno’s one-of-one F-150. Barrett-Jackson has raised more than $85 million for charity over the past 45 years. Find more information on this year’s vehicles and charity recipients.