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Ford and the Ford family have raised tens of millions of dollars over the years to help find a cure for juvenile diabetes. The sale of the very first 2026 Mustang Dark Horse SC raised another $1.25 million for the cause at the Barrett-Jackson auction over the weekend. It is a cause that is near and dear to the Ford family. I believe that one of Edsel Ford’s children lives with diabetes. Edsel has been the face of much of their fundraising for decades. The 2026 Mustang Dark Horse SC was introduced at the Detroit Auto show less than two weeks ago.
The 2026 Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC
When it was unveiled, this is how Ford described the Dark Horse.
“Designed, engineered, tested and manufactured in-house by Ford Racing, the Mustang Dark Horse SC leverages learnings from GT3, GT4 and Mustang GTD, and is the most advanced, powerful, and track-capable Dark Horse ever. Power comes from a supercharged 5.2-liter V8 engine paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.”
The Barrett-Jackson buyer stayed anonymous but can choose whatever model he would like of the Dark Horse, the SC or the more track friendly versions, track pack or track pack special. The buyer can also choose the color scheme they would prefer.
Engineers took the Dark Horse SC to Sebring and Virginia International Raceway to test alongside the Mustang GTD supercar and the Mustang GT3 race car. Those tests apparently lead to the adoption of the Dark Horse’s Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup2 R tires. The team made aerodynamic changes, like its new hood and the carbon-fiber venting after gaging the car’s performance on the track.
Engineers also adopted the GTD’s leather-wrapped, flat-bottom steering wheel with integrated performance controls, surrounded by carbon-fiber accents. Optional Recaro leather and Dinamica sport seats are included in the Track Pack. The rear seats can be replaced with a storage shelf.
According to Barrett-Jackson, the Track Pack elevates performance with Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes from GTD, massive 16.5-inch front rotors, next-generation MagneRide dampers, revised springs and stabilizer bars, updated suspension geometry and Variable Traction Control derived from Mustang GTD development. This limited Track Pack Special Edition combines the Track and Carbon packages and is available exclusively in Shadow Black or Oxford White.
The result is a vehicle that sits in the top tier of the Mustang stable — between the Mustang Dark Horse Performance Package and the Mustang GTD.
Breakthrough T1D
Breakthrough T1D is described online as the "the leading global organization funding T1D research". It was formerly known as the JDRF, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Breakthrough T1D is dedicated to finding a cure for type 1 diabetes. It not only funds research but also advocates for new funding as well as treatment programs.
When the 2026 Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC will be Available
Ford plans to release more information about horsepower, torque and pricing closer to vehicle launch. The Mustang Dark Horse SC will be available to order in spring 2026. Deliveries should start this summer. All Mustang Dark Horse SCs will be built at Flat Rock Assembly, where Ford makes the entire Mustang lineup.
Ford Photo
Mary Conway is a professional automotive journalist and has decades of experience specializing in automotive news analysis. She covered the Detroit Three for more than twenty years for the ABC affiliate, in Detroit. Her affection for the Motor City comes naturally. Her father ran a gas station while Mary was growing up, in Wisconsin.
Follow Mary Conway at @MaryConwayMedia and send her car news tips for future stories.
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