George W. Bush’s pickup from Crawford ranch fetches $300,000 for Fisher House military charity

The pickup that former President George W. Bush used at his Crawford ranch got a whopping $300,000 at auction, with proceeds benefiting the Fisher House Foundation, a military charity.

Going once! Going twice!

The Barrett-Jackson Auction Co. sold Bush’s white 2009 Ford F-150 King Ranch 4X4 SuperCrew during a sale of collectibles Saturday in Scottsdale, Ariz. The auction house didn’t disclose the buyer, according to the Reuters news agency.

Bush had used the truck, which has a 5.4-liter V-8 engine with 310 horsepower and 11,200-pound towing capacity, since shortly after he left the White House in 2009.

The real deal

The former president purchased the truck, which features a King Ranch premium leather interior, new from Jim Click Ford in Tucson, Ariz., according to a news release. To ensure the vehicle’s authenticity, Bush autographed the right air bag panel.

“I haven’t driven on a street in many, many years, but I have been able to drive this truck on my ranch,” Bush said in a written statement last month. “I want to thank all those who are supporting the Fisher House. In supporting the Fisher House, you’re supporting our veterans. And in supporting our veterans, you’re helping America.”

Headed for charity

The Fisher House, based in Maryland, provides “free or low-cost lodging to veterans and military families receiving treatment at military medical centers,” according to the foundation’s website.

Bush previously had teamed with Barrett-Jackson to raise money for the Fisher House. He autographed a Jay Leno-owned tractor that was auctioned last year for $535,000.