Ford drew inspiration from the space program for its latest limited edition Mustang – the Apollo Edition Mustang – which will be auctioned off with proceeds going to the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA).
Ford’s Apollo Edition Mustang starts life as a 2015 fastback Mustang GT, powered by the revered 5.0-litre V8. The engine is fitted with a supercharger to boost horsepower to 627 and torque to 540 lb.ft.
Then, under the leadership of Ford Design Manager Melvin Betancourt, it’s dressed in a unique pure white/pure black glossy paint scheme that creates a creative connection to NASA’s Apollo space program. Underneath the carriage, LED lighting symbolizes the flaming re-entry of space capsules as they return to Earth. Add-ons, such as the front splitter, rear diffuser, rocker mouldings and accents are made of carbon fibre.
Performance enhancements include an X-pipe with side and rear exhaust, sport-tuned suspension, Brembo brakes and Forgiato 21-inch performance wheels.
In the cabin, there are exclusive appointments such as performance gauges, modified instrument cluster, unique sill plates and embroidering in the seats, trim panels and floor mats.
“The Apollo program delivered astonishing innovations in technology and achieved a national goal of landing the first human on the moon,” said Edsel B. Ford II, a member of the Ford board of directors. “The entire program was extraordinary – one of our nation’s greatest technological achievements. With this year’s stunning Apollo Edition Mustang, we salute that spirit of American ingenuity with the quintessential American automobile – Ford Mustang.”
Among the contributors to the Apollo Edition Mustang were MAD Industries, Ford Performance, Eibach Springs, Carbon 2 Carbon, BASF automotive refinish, Gibson performance exhaust, Pirelli tires, Rigid Industries, SourceSE by sPod, 3M, PIAA Corporation, APR performance, FOCAL/The Source AV and Odyssey battery.
The car will go under the hammer at EAA AirVenture, the annual gathering of aviation enthusiasts in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. It will be the highlight of the EAA Gathering of Eagles gala.
“Ford has been a committed sponsor of EAA and AirVenture for more than 15 years – bringing incredible value to those who make Oshkosh the highlight of their aviation year,” said Jack Pelton, EAA chairman of the board. “With its eighth Mustang donation, Ford continues to excite with its specialty vehicles, which reflect the depth of the company’s commitment and which allow EAA to provide support to its valuable programs and dedicated members in helping us grow the next generation of aviators.”
This marks the eighth straight year Ford has created an aviation inspired edition of the Mustang, all donated to the EAA, which then auctions them off to the benefit of youth aviation education programs such as the Young Eagles program that has raised some $3 million U.S. and provided free introductory flights to more than 1.9 million young people in its 12 years of existence.
Its notable predecessors are 2008’s Mustang AV8R, the 2009 AV-X10 “Dearborn Doll” Mustang, 2010’s SR-71 Blackbird Mustang (co-created by the late Carroll Shelby, former U.S. Air Force flight instructor, and long-time P-51 pilot Jack Roush), 2011’s Blue Angels Mustang, the 2012 Red Tails Mustang (paying homage to the Tuskegee Airmen – P-51 Mustang pilots who were the United States’ first African American military airmen), the 2013 U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds Edition Mustang, and last year’s F-35 Lightning Edition II Mustang.
To participate in the auction, interested parties must prequalify by contacting the EAA development office at (800) 236-1025 or by e-mail at donor@eaa.org.