Ford and Roush Racing teamed up to build a special 2019 Ford Mustang GT to honor a World War II flying ace. The price for the 710 horsepower Mustang GT soared to staggering heights.
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Ford and Roush Performance teamed up to build a special 2019 Mustang GT to honor World War II flying ace Colonel Bud Anderson. The 710-horsepower 2019 Mustang GT named “Old Crow” is spectacular and it drew a spectacular price at the auction, raising money for the Experimental Aircraft Association’s youth and adult programs.
The one-of-a-kind 2019 Ford Mustang GT sold for $400,000 at the auction in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, during the annual AirVenture show.
Torque News has been telling you about the unique 2019 “Old Crow” Mustang GT. The custom Ford Mustang GT honors Colonel Bud Anderson who flew six continuous hours on D-Day. The Ford Mustang GT carries the same paint scheme as Colonel Anderson’s “Old Crow” P-51 Mustang fighter.
This Mustang is not just a pretty face. It packs 710 horsepower and 610 lb.-ft. of torque thanks to a Roush Performance supercharger. Built by Roush Performance, the “Old Crow” Mustang GT features a custom paint scheme and badging replicating Col. Anderson’s iconic P-51 Mustang fighter plane. A custom Roush grille with P-51 Mustang badge adorns the front, the words “Old Crow” are written on the hood and an authentic Eighth Air Force emblem badge also is prominently featured.
Colonel Bud Anderson’s Stellar Record
According to Ford, “Anderson, a triple ace fighter pilot, flew two combat tours and 116 missions in his P-51 Mustangs he nicknamed Old Crow. He was never hit by enemy fire, including while providing aerial support to Allied troops on D-Day. Anderson, 97, earned more than 25 decorations, including the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star and Air Medal. He flew two tours with the 363rd Fighter Squadron of the 357th Fighter Group and is recognized as the third leading ace with 16 aerial victories.”
Roush Performance added a TVS R2650 supercharger, which boosts the 5.0-liter V8 engine to 710 horsepower and 610 lb.-ft. of torque. Other performance upgrades include a Roush cold air induction system and X pipe, plus a custom active exhaust system from Ford Performance. The “Old Crow” Mustang uses Ford’s MagneRide® damping system and runs on custom 20-inch lightweight Roush wheels wrapped in 275/35R Continental ExtremeContact sport tires.
There are a number of other exterior upgrades to complete the package, including Roush rear fascia aerofoils, a Ford Performance front racing spoiler, 2020 Mustang Shelby® GT500® rear spoiler, custom heat extractors on the hood and blue rainbow tinted exhaust tips that emulate the exhaust on the P-51 Mustang planes.
Building a Legendary Mustang GT
The interior of the “Old Crow” Mustang continues the airplane motif. It features military-themed green leather and canvas and red shifter nob and door handles. “P-51” is written on the passenger-side dashboard. The vehicle includes a four-point harness as well as aluminum rear seat-delete.
“Heroes like Col. Bud Anderson have become true living legends in the 75 years since the Allied invasion of Normandy,” said Craig Metros, Ford 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.”
Previously, Jack Roush, who loves aviation, rebuilt an airplane to honor Colonel Anderson. In 1994, Roush fully re-built an authentic P-51 Mustang fighter with the same badging and paint scheme as Anderson’s “Old Crow”. The two men have been longtime friends.
“It is truly special to have the opportunity to honor a great American hero and a truly great friend of mine such as Col. Bud Anderson,” said Roush, Sr.. “My father instilled in me a love of aviation and a deep respect for the brave pilots and airmen of World War II. Building this incredible ‘Old Crow’ Mustang, especially to support the next generation of America’s pilots, has been a very rewarding opportunity and one that we’re proud to share with the world.”
Ford’s Commitment to the EAA Through Mustangs
This is the 12th one-of-a-kind Mustang that Ford has donated to the EAA over the last two decades. The auctions have raised nearly $4 million.
“Ford and Roush Performance are helping build the next generation of aviation through their support of EAA, AirVenture and The Gathering,” said Jack J. Pelton, EAA CEO and Chairman of the Board. “This project not only will be a highlight of The Gathering; its impact will help EAA reach those who are pursuing their own dreams of flight.”
Follow Mary Conway at @maryconwaymedia and send her car news tips for future stories.
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