The Blue Oval’s engineering and design teams have developed a one-of-a-kind “Red Tails” edition of the 2013 Ford Mustang GT Coupe, the styling of which was inspired by World War II squadron of African American P-51 Mustang fighter airplanes.
The one-off creation will go under the hammer at the Gathering of Eagles charity auction on July 26 during the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) AirVenture Oshkosh 2012.
Ford said all proceeds will donated to the EAA Young Eagles program, which has provided free introductory flights to more than 1.6 million young participants since 1992.
The “Red Tails” 2013 Mustang GT is finished in unique polished aluminum nonproduction paint, accented with Race Red and School Bus Yellow, a theme which is consistent with the P-51 fighter plane’s red tail cues and the logos and markings of the United States Army Air Corps, 332nd Fighter Group and Squadrons.
The car rides on a black set of 20-inch alloy wheels with a silver rim wrapped in extra chunky rubber, while other highlights include the quad side exhaust pipes (in addition to the quad tailpipes from SVT at the back), the rear wing and a rear diffuser.
Inside, unique details include a modified navigation screen, instrument cluster, a pair Recaro seats with an embroidered “Red Tails” logo, the removal of the rear seat bench, floor mats embroidered with the 332nd Fighter Group moniker, and illuminated sill plates and puddle lamps that project “Red Tails” imagery when the doors open.
Under the sheetmetal, the Blue Oval upgraded the V8 with a Ford Racing 2.3-liter twin-screw Whipple supercharger, while also adding a handling pack and GT500 Brembo brakes.
“With this year’s beautiful ‘Red Tails’ edition Mustang, we’ve captured the recognizable symbols in honor of their important role in our history, and paired it with the innovation our Ford design and engineering teams build into all of our products,” said Edsel B. Ford II, the great-grandson of Henry Ford and member of the FoMoCo board.
“Through this project,” Ford added, “we take great pride in continuing our support for EAA and the Young Eagles organization.”
The “Red Tails” edition of the 2013 Mustang GT joins four other one-of-a-kind Mustangs created by the Ford design and engineering teams for the EAA Young Eagles Auction over the past few years, including the 2008 Mustang AV8R inspired by the F-22 Raptor, the 2009 AV-X10 “Dearborn Doll”, the 2010 SR-71 “Blackbird” Mustang and last year’s “Blue Angels” Mustang.
Photos Courtesy of Ford and Mustang Daily
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