When Cadillac began building ATS models for customer consumption, the first one off the production line was a crystal red, Premium-trim model with the 320-horsepower, 3.6-liter V-6. Instead of being shipped to a Cadillac dealership, the model was set aside for “later use.”

That later use happens to be Barrett-Jackson’s Las Vegas auction, scheduled for September 20-22. Cadillac has donated the car and Barrett-Jackson has waived commission fees, so every dollar raised by the sale will go to benefit Team Joseph, a non-profit organization that fights Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy affects one in every 3,500 male births worldwide, and the disease usually proves fatal as it attacks the heart and lungs. Team Joseph is named for Joseph Penrod, who was diagnosed with Duchenne in 2008, at age 5.

Of the donation, Cadillac’s vice president of marketing, Don Butler, said, “Donating the first Cadillac ATS will allow us to raise money and awareness for a very important cause. It’s our way of supporting treatment for Duchenne,with some of that research occurring in our home state of Michigan.”

Charity auctions usually raise substantial money (often with accompanying donations, outside the scope of bidding), so we’re guessing this particular Cadillac ATS will sell somewhere in the six-figures, not counting the additional donations received.

The car, lot number 2003, is expected to cross the block on Friday afternoon. Look for SPEED TV will air coverage of the auction beginning Thursday, September 20, at 7:00 p.m. Eastern.