The history of charity car auctions is long and decorated with cars both exotic and historic. While we could fill the Library of Congress with the tales of those autos, the fortunes that changed hands for them and the lives that benefited from the sale, frankly, we'd rather get straight to telling you all about Hurst’s newest creation. The company -- known for some of the best aftermarket shifters available -- has turned its eye on the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro. Though the most eye-catching trait is the unique tri-tone paint and special badges, this particular Camaro packs a host of upgrades good enough to make any muscle car fan’s mouth water.

Logically enough, the Hurst Camaro benefits from a billet aluminum shift handle, unique 20-inch wheels and a Magnaflow exhaust system. An Eibach suspension system helps the car hold onto the road, and a few interior upgrades help it stand out from the rest of the Bow Ties out there. Hurst has also done a little tweaking to the car’s tune, helping the big V8 engine deliver 445 horsepower. Sound good? Yes, yes it does sound good, and it sounds even better when you consider the bidding started at just $10,000 ... though as we sit writing, the eBay auction is already just a tick under $44,000.

Hurst has been churning out special-edition cars for as long as the company has been around, but the proceeds from this particular vehicle will go to the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund. A staple of the Specialty Equipment Market Association, the scholarship is geared to get off the ground by December of this year. Designed to give those interested in pursuing an education in the automotive industry an extra leg up, the award gives anywhere from $1,000 to $4,000 to students with a GPA of 2.5 or higher, at least 25 credits at a trade school (or 50 from a four-year college or university) and a dedication to joining the automotive industry.

It's true that Hurst, eBay and SEMA aren’t going to be saving any lives with the proceeds of this particular Camaro’s sale, but they may just make it easier for the next leader of the car world to get the most out of school. Since the industry as a whole is grasping for the next best solution to our fuel and transportation needs, that’s no bad thing in our book. Hop over to eBay to have a look at the big bad Camaro for yourself. If you have the cash to take the car home, you'll also get an expenses-paid trip to the SEMA show in Las Vegas this year. A Hurst custom Camaro and a trip to SEMA? Not a bad deal.

(Photo courtesy of Hurst)