Cleared for takeoff: Ford to auction fighter jet-inspired Mustang at EAA Airventure

By Andrew Hard July 17, 2014

The automotive world is no stranger to custom Mustangs. Between the Saleen S302, Need For Speed widebody, and the monstrous, 1200-horsepower Shelby, the iconic muscle car is clearly comfortable wearing different clothes.

The latest bespoke Mustang is inspired by the F-35 Lightening II aircraft, according to Mustangs Daily. It features a blue and yellow-accented titanium paint job, a carbon fiber front splitter, V8 power and Recaro racing seats.

The F-35 is a stealth-capable multi-role fighter that has vertical landing capability. It’s powered by a Pratt & Whitney turbofan that can hit Mach 1.6 (over 1200 mph), and features an internally-mounted 25mm GAU-12 Equalizer cannon.

Makes sense, right?

In reality, the fighter jet-inspired ‘Stang will be built for auction at EAA Airventure, an aviation festival happening July 28^th to August 3^rd in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

Ford has auctioned off several custom Mustangs at the event, all aeronautically-themed of course.

Most recently was the SR-71-themed pony car, which pays homage to the world’s fastest plane with a Whipple supercharger, integrated roll cage, and sleek exterior. It was auctioned in 2010 for $375,000.

Last year was the USAF Thunderbirds Mustang, sporting a red and white color scheme, trick wheels and a glass roof. The Thunderbird’s Navy equivalent, the Blue Angels, had their own blue and yellow painted Mustang auctioned in 2011, and it was fitted with all of Ford Racing’s performance goodies: a supercharger kit, Brembo brakes, and custom aerodynamics.

One of the most memorable special editions to appear at EAA was the Red Tails 2013 Mustang, which honored the Tuskegee Airmen of WWII. The 332^nd Fighter Group was made up of solely African American pilots, and they put up one of the most impressive combat records of the European theater.

Their plane of choice? The P-51 Mustang.

Proceeds of the auction go to the EAA Young Eagles program, a nonprofit that provides free flights to young people in hopes of creating a new generation of aviators. The Young Eagles program has flown, educated, and trained over 1.8 million youths since 1992.

(Photos via Mustangs Daily)

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