The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) based in Oshkosh, Wisconsin is once again hosting its popular AirVenture show from July 22-28. Over 600,000 aviation enthusiasts attend each year—but you may still be wondering what any of this has to do with automotive fans. Well, Ford has been an avid supporter of EAA AirVenture for 21 years now and during that time has built and donated 11 custom-designed vehicles, helping to raise over $3.5-million.
This year’s creation is a collaboration between Ford and Roush Performance: the custom Mustang GT was inspired by US Army Air Force Colonel Bud Anderson, a World War II triple ace pilot who flew iconic P-51 Mustang fighter planes, which were nicknamed “The Crow”.
With a serious 710hp and 610lb-ft of torque under its hood courtesy of a Roush supercharger, the “Old Crow” 5.0-liter V8 Mustang GT might well take to the skies itself if it had a pair of wings bolted to it. What it does have is a custom paint scheme and badging replicating Colonel Anderson’s iconic P-51 Mustang.
It also has a performance cold air induction system and custom active exhaust system, Sparco front seats with four-point harnesses, and custom 20-inch lightweight Roush wheels. “Heroes like Col. Bud Anderson have become true living legends in the 75 years since the Allied invasion of Normandy,” said Craig Metros, Ford’s design director. “Ford is proud to team up with Roush Performance to honor Col. Anderson and all of the brave servicemen and servicewomen who risked their lives during World War II, all while raising funds for the Experimental Aircraft Association, which helps make flying more accessible to America’s youth.”
Colonel Anderson flew 116 combat missions and achieved more than 16 aerial victories over European skies and was also present at D-Day on a six-hour-long mission. Having never been struck by enemy fire or forced to withdraw from an aerial engagement, Colonel Anderson retired with over 25 decorations to his name including the Flying Cross and Bronze Star. Previous custom designs auctioned off by Ford include the 2015 Mustang Apollo Edition and the most successful vehicle auctioned at AirVenture yet, a 2008 Mustang AV8R which sold for $500,000. Hopefully “Old Crow” will garner a similar level of enthusiasm when it goes under the hammer in the coming weeks.
Images courtesy of Ford
