July 25, 2008 12:00 AM by Brian Potter Filed Under: TunersFord
Ford has donated a 2009 Mustang GT, which has been converted into a special one-off collectors item, that will be auctioned at the Experimental Aircraft Association's (EAA) annual Gathering of Eagles fund-raiser during AirVenture 2008.
With 650,000 visitors attending plus 2,500 show aircraft and 10,000 airplanes expected to fly in to the airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, it's no wonder Ford has taken this opportunity to prepare its aviation inspired vehicle.
Originally named after the famous P-51 Mustang fighter from World War II, the Mustang AV8R, which is an acronym for the word 'Aviator', is modeled after the more contemporary F-22 Raptor.
Special features include a glass roof with embedded Air Force star, which is a new option; special front and rear bumper fascias; integrated spoiler; and Shelby GT500 wheels. Ford Racing's contributions include a handling pack (dampers, lowering springs, anti-roll bar kit and strut tower brace), supercharger and tuned exhaust that will generate 400 horsepower from the aluminum block 4.6-liter, 24-valve V-8 engine.
The Mustang AV8R is painted in Satin Silver matte paint with Black Gloss accents. The interior features distressed "bomber jacket" leather inserts and trim panels along with a "Bullitt" aluminum instrument panel appliqué and shift knob. It also has an appliqué autograph area for the aviation legends and notable enthusiasts scheduled to be in attendance, who include Edsel B. Ford II, Chuck Yeager, Jack Roush, Harrison Ford, John Travolta, Morgan Freeman and Jim Lovell.
ONE-OF-A-KIND MUSTANG AV8R TO BENEFIT YOUTH PROGRAM AT WORLD-FAMOUS AIRVENTURE 2008
One-of-a-kind aviation-themed Mustang will be auctioned to aid Gathering of Eagles youth aviation initiatives, continuing Ford's commitment to the program.
Performance modifications from Ford Racing will generate 400 horsepower.
The numbers tied to the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) AirVenture Oshkosh are impressive, if not overwhelming - but there's one statistic especially worth eyeing.
Some 2,500 show aircraft and 650,000 visitors are expected at this year's meet, which runs from Monday - Aug. 3. An estimated 10,000 airplanes are expected to fly in to the airport in east-central Wisconsin. And here's the kicker: The event will feature one cool Ford Mustang.
A special one-of-a-kind AirVenture Mustang, the Mustang AV8R, will be unveiled on Sunday. The classic American car was named after the famous P-51 Mustang fighter, which played a key role in World War II as a bomber escort. Several P-51s are slated to be at Oshkosh, according to the show's web site, www.airventure.org.
The team at Ford Racing helped develop the aviation-inspired Mustang AV8R. Special features on the 2009 Mustang GT include a glass roof, which is a new option on Mustangs this year; special front and rear fascias; integrated spoiler; and Shelby GT500 wheels. Ford Racing's contributions include a handling pack (dampers, lowering springs, anti-roll bar kit and strut tower brace), supercharger and tuned exhaust that will generate 400 horsepower from the aluminum block 4.6-liter, 24-valve V-8 engine.
The Mustang AV8R is painted in Satin Silver matte paint with Black Gloss accents. The interior features distressed "bomber jacket" leather inserts and trim panels along with a "Bullitt" aluminum instrument panel appliqué and shift knob. It also has an appliqué autograph area for the aviation legends and notable enthusiasts scheduled to be in attendance, who include Edsel B. Ford II, Chuck Yeager, Jack Roush, Harrison Ford, John Travolta, Morgan Freeman and Jim Lovell.
Douglas Gaffka, the chief designer for the Mustang, took a restrained, modern approach for the Mustang AV8R.
"We chose anodized silver for the body sides and high-gloss black for the hood, which flows through the glass roof - it was almost like having a canopy," Gaffka said. "We also embedded the Air Force star in the glass."
Collectors can bid on the car. Perspective owners should contact Matt Miller at 1-800-236-1025 for details about the July 31 auction. Auction proceeds will benefit the EAA's Gathering of Eagles program, which helps provide scholarships for young people interested in aviation careers.
Donating the Mustang AV8R is the latest example of Ford's continuing commitment to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. Last year, Ford donated two tickets to the finals of "American Idol," which sold for $16,500. Ford and Shelby Automobiles donated a Mustang Shelby GT-H in 2006, which sold for $250,000.
"The Mustang AV8R is the latest commitment from Ford in support of EAA's effort to build the future of aviation," said Tom Poberezny, EAA president. "This stunning, one-of-a-kind automobile will be a very special addition to our Gathering of Eagles fund-raiser, which supports EAA's aviation education and preservation work throughout the year."
At least there is only one of these cars..Who is designing these motors. 400hp with a supercharger???? R U Joking. 6 cylinders r coming our with that type of power. The design is a boring mustang with an ok paint job and a few extras that resemble a plane, its cool but not over the top by any means, Mustang get your $hit together!!!!
Have you ever watched a Barret Auction ? One-off Muscle cars just like this from the '60s go for 100k+...it will take a good 30years or so for this cars value to mature like that but nonetheless it will. Especially in 20-30 years when petrol engined cars are fully illegal. As for 400hp only ? the GT500 makes 500 yes...but thats with a displacement increase of .8 Liters.
*The value could go even higher depending on how much this Model goes for at the initial auction. Which also makes the buyer happy, he's got a Muscle car og high value(later on).
yet another one.. sigh