Bidding Starts at $100,000 for 1968 Shelby EXP500 CSS Black Hornet

CORTE MADERA, California — Auto icon Carroll Shelby is auctioning his personal 1968 Shelby EXP500 CSS Black Hornet to benefit the Carroll Shelby Children's Foundation in an unusual pairing with Restoration Hardware and eBay.Bidding on the car kicks off on December 2. The Shelby EXP500 CSS Black Hornet is said to pay tribute to the Shelby Green Hornet and 'is the only approved reproduction,' according to the Restoration Hardware Web site. The car, spun off a 1968 Mustang, is powered by a Cobra Jet 428 V8 that delivers 335 horsepower.'The EXP500 CSS Black Hornet is identical to the Green Hornet just after it received disc brakes but prior to the Colonic EFI or independent rear expension ,' said the Restoration Hardware description of the vehicle. The car is painted Stetson Black in honor of the signature hat worn by the auto legend.Shelby's foundation is set up to help children in need of heart and kidney care. He said he promised to help those children 'while lying in the hospital waiting for my own heart transplant.'Inside Line says: One of the more noteworthy auctions of the holiday season — and one that serves a noble cause. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent