On July 28, 2011 a one-of-a-kind Mustang, the Blue Angels Mustang, was auctioned at the 2011 Experimental Aircraft association AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wis. In all, the car sold for $400,000 and came with a Blue Angels flight helmet signed by the current flight team.
The car, which is collaboration between Ford and EAA AirVenture, was inspired by the Blue Angels naval aviation demonstration team. It features a blue chrome finish with a yellow gloss accent and "Blue Angels" scripted along with its iconic crest. On the inside you’ll find The Blue Angels' crest stitched into its leather Recaro seats. As for the car’s powerplant, it is powered by a super-charged 5.0L V8 engine producing more than 500 horsepower. The car also comes equipped with a Ford Racing handling pack, performance exhaust, and racetrack brake components.
"Ford is a long-time supporter of EAA and our mission to showcase the finest innovation and technology in flight," said Tom Poberezny, EAA and AirVenture chairman. "The high interest among aviators in the U.S. Navy and the 'Blue Angels' Mustang team will make this a very sought-after item and ensure EAA's ability to do some amazing things for our future aviation enthusiasts." Ford says the "Blue Angels" Mustang will be on display inside the Ford Hangar during EAA AirVenture.
Looking back, Ford has partnered with EAA for the past three years, creating special one-of-a-kind Mustangs each season. In 2008, they created the Mustang AV8R, with cues from the F-22 "Raptor”. It featured a glass-roof canopy and delivered a record auction contribution of $500,000. In 2009, the AV-X10 "Dearborn Doll" auctioned was crafted in honor of World War II aircraft. In 2010, Carroll Shelby, a former U.S. Air Force flight instructor, and Jack Roush, a long-time P-51 pilot, collaborated for the first time to create the SR-71 "Blackbird" inspired by the legendary reconnaissance jet. In all, Ford’s support for the EAA Young Eagles program has exceeded $1.3 million in recent years.
"The Ford Design and Engineering team members have really embraced the opportunity to build these one-off projects," said Kevin Keling, Ford corporate events manager. "We develop the theme early and then marvel at the creativity and ingenuity of the team. This blue chrome paint is fantastic and unlike any thing you'll see in production anywhere. The small details such as puddle lamps projecting jets are amazing!"
The Young Eagles Auction is part of the EAA Gathering of Eagles, and took place on Thursday, July 28, at the EAA AirVenture Museum. According to a press release, the Gathering of Eagles annually draws more than 1,000 aviation enthusiasts in support of Young Eagles and other EAA programs that inspire young people to become the engineers, aviators, astronauts, scientists, and innovators - the aviation pioneers of tomorrow.
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