{"id":9814,"date":"2025-05-15T13:21:16","date_gmt":"2025-05-15T12:21:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.specialeffect.org.uk\/?p=9814"},"modified":"2025-05-15T15:04:28","modified_gmt":"2025-05-15T14:04:28","slug":"ford-gt-auction","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.specialeffect.org.uk\/news\/ford-gt-auction","title":{"rendered":"Iconic Ford GT goes under the hammer for SpecialEffect"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Ford<\/a><\/p>\n

The 2017 Ford GT that graced the cover of Forza Motorsport 6<\/em> is being auctioned<\/a> to raise valuable funds for SpecialEffect\u2019s ongoing work. This rare and highly sought-after supercar has kindly been donated by Alan Hartman, former Head of Xbox Games Studios and a longstanding honorary Vice President of the charity. The auction, hosted by Bring a Trailer, runs from 5am Pacific time on 15 May and will end at 10am Pacific time on Friday 23 May.<\/strong><\/p>\n

This iconic 2017 Ford GT is one of only 138 made that year, and has most often been seen on display in the lobby of the Turn 10 Studios<\/a> HQ in Washington. A revered American classic, the supercar boasts a top speed of 216 mph and reaches 60 mph in under three seconds. This unique opportunity will allow automotive enthusiasts, gaming enthusiasts, and philanthropists alike to bid on a prestigious vehicle, with the winner knowing they will be making a direct contribution to the development and provision of life-changing assistive technologies for individuals with disabilities.<\/p>\n

Marked by his passion for innovation and for gaming, Alan Hartman recently retired after 30 years at Microsoft, most recently as head of Xbox Games Studios<\/a>. He worked on a range of projects from Age of Empires<\/em> to Brute Force<\/em> as the studio head of Digital Anvil, to the founding of Turn 10 Studios<\/a>. Over the years, Alan, Turn 10 and Playground Games<\/a> delivered 14 Forza Motorsport<\/em> and Forza Horizon<\/em> games, building Forza into one of the top racing franchises in the world. During this time Forza also became one of the most popular games enjoyed by disabled gamers across the globe, with in-game assistive control innovations personally championed by Alan himself.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are incredibly grateful to Alan for this remarkable opportunity,\u201d said Dr Mick Donegan, MBE, the Founder and CEO of SpecialEffect. \u201cI was fortunate enough to have had the pleasure of sitting in the car when I last met Alan on a visit to Turn 10, but this auction is not just about a stunning supercar, it\u2019s about making a tangible difference in the lives of people with physical challenges right across the world through the innovative use of technology. The core of our work is to optimise inclusion, enjoyment and quality of life by helping people control video games to the best of their abilities for as long as they need us.\u201d<\/p>\n

Alan became aware of SpecialEffect via their work with Playground Games, and first visited our HQ in Oxfordshire in 2017. As the relationship grew, he was invited to become an honorary Vice President of the charity a year later in 2018.<\/p>\n

The donation is a testament to Alan\u2019s deep commitment to SpecialEffect and his unwavering support to help make gaming accessible to all.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve seen first-hand the incredible work that SpecialEffect does, and I\u2019m honoured to be able to contribute in this way,\u201d said Alan. \u201cThey not only bring joy to so many, but they provide a north star for the entire gaming industry as we strive to create a level playing field for every gamer. It is a privilege to support them and I hope this auction encourages others to get involved and help support this amazing charity.\u201d<\/p>\n