For the 12th time, Ford is auctioning a one-off vehicle for charity during the annual AirVenture show of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). This year's play is a double effort by Ford and Roush Performance, and it is inspired by US Army Air Force Col. Bud Anderson and his steed. The modified Mustang GT received a P-51 Mustang fighter aircraft styling and a number of performance upgrades that increase its specification sheet to 710 hp.
Ford and Roush have long collaborated on fighter-related Mustangs, and the Old Crow carries on that tradition (remember the SR-71 that sold for $ 375,000?). Before 2019, Jack Roush, Sr., an aviation enthusiast, looked at a friend for inspiration. Roush and Anderson have known each other for decades and in 1994 Rous even recreated the P-51 Mustang from Anderson.
Anderson, a three-ace pilot, flew 116 combat missions, managed 16 air victories in Europe during World War II and flew in a six-hour mission on D-Day. He was never hit by enemy fire during his combat career and has more than 25 decorations such as the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star and Air Medal. The P-51 Mustang fighter aircraft that he used were nicknamed Old Crow and serve as the nostalgia for this specially crafted Ford Mustang GT.
"It is really special to have the opportunity to honor a great American hero and a really good friend of mine, such as Colonel Bud Anderson," said Roush, Sr. "My father taught me a love of aviation and a deep respect for the brave pilots and pilots of World War II. Building this incredible & # 39; Old Crow & Mustang, especially to support the next generation of American pilots support was a very rewarding opportunity and one that we proudly share with the world. "
The Roush Mustang "Old Crow" is unmistakably a military theme, because it wears an external set that nods to Anderson's P-51. The main body of the car is made of silver and the front and back are styled with red and yellow images. The car is covered with numbers and letters and a giant star is on the doors. "Anderson" also stretches across the windshield, and "Old Crow" can be seen on the hood. In addition, the car also has a customized Roush grille with a P-51 badge and an authentic emblem of the eight air force on the trunk.
Beyond the fighter plane theme, Roush and Ford added their own flair to the shape of the Mustang. It has Roush rear fascia aerofoils, a Ford Performance front racing spoiler, custom heat extractors on the hood, blue rainbow-tinted exhaust tips, and the giant rear spoiler of the 2020 Shelby Mustang GT500. It fits exactly with the Old Yeller Mustang, the AV8R Mustang, the Eagle Squadron Mustang and the Mustang of the Apollo edition that we have seen in the past.
The interior has been overhauled, including a removed aluminum rear seat and Sparco four-point seat belts. The Old Crow wears military green leather and canvas and has a red shifter nob and red door handles.
Below the surface the GT has numerous performance upgrades. It has a Roush Performance TVS R2650 supercharger, a Roush Performance cold air induction system, an X-pipe and a special Ford Performance active exhaust system. All in all, the car is now rated at 710 horsepower and 610 lb-ft of torque.
The one-to-one collector's item is auctioned at the EAA AirVenture show on July 25 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, with all proceeds going to the EAA programs for youth and adult aviation. As one of the most attractive examples to date, we expect it to sell for supercar prices.