NASCAR Cup Series

Barrett-Jackson about more than cars for Kurt Busch, girlfriend

Published Jan. 3, 2014 12:26 p.m. ET

Tom Jensen

Last year at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Collector-Car Event, a custom 1969 Ford Bronco that went across the auction block raised $500,000 for the Armed Forces Federation. Kurt Busch, the 2004 NASCAR Sprint Cup champion, was on hand at the auction, along with AFF President Patricia Driscoll, who is also Busch's romantic interest.

"It was an incredible, emotional event," Busch said afterward. "Barrett-Jackson has always been great to the Armed Services Foundation."

This year, Busch and Driscoll will be back at Scottsdale again and again there will be a charity vehicle selling for the AFF. Make that two vintage military vehicles, which will be sold as a pair: a 1959 Cessna L-19E Bird Dog airplane and a 1958 Dodge M37 truck.

The two vehicles are being donated for auction by the Cessna Aircraft Co., Kansas Aircraft Corp. and Okoboji Classic Cars. All sale proceeds will benefit the AFF and its ongoing efforts to assist active-duty and retired military personnel.

The Cessna L-19 Bird Dog served as a liaison and observation plane used for artillery spotting, medevac operations and search and rescue missions, and renowned for its maneuverability and performance while on the front line. One of 469 produced, this one was professionally restored and rebuilt in 2008.

The 1958 Dodge M37 three-quarter pickup truck was restored and donated by Okoboji Classic Cars of West Okoboji, Iowa. The M37, used extensively by the United States Military as a utility vehicle, was known for its solid performance and field reliability.

"Together this duo is an impressive piece of both military and aviation history that will not only add substantial interest to any collection, but will also honor the work of one of our country's most respected veteran's organizations," Barrett-Jackson's catalog states.