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| Photo Credit: Ford Motor Company |
A showcase devoted to the celebration of things that fly, the 2015 EAA AirVenture Oshkosh’s spirit spread once again to a favoured land vehicle form. Serving as a new annual tradition as part of the Gathering of Eagles charity event, Ford Motor Company has donated a very special Mustang for auction.
Every year, a unique aviation-themed version of the pony car was created by Ford. Past creations included the Mustangs paying homage to the F-22 Raptor, SR-71 Blackbird, Blue Angels and the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. For the 2015 Gathering of Eagles fundraiser, the design concept for the Ford Mustang was out of this world. Hammered away for $230,000 during the July 23rd charity auction, NASA’s famed Apollo space program served as the inspiration for a modified 627-horsepower 2015 Ford Mustang.
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| Photo Credit: Ford Motor Company |
Finished with a pure white/pure black exterior paint custom colour scheme resembling the appearance of the iconic rockets that launched humans to the moon, Ford created the Apollo Edition Mustang under the guidance of Design Manager Melvin Betancourt. Two-tone colour Forgiato 21-inch wheels and carbon fiber components are powerful space-age accent pieces used for the vehicle’s front splitter, rear diffuser and rocker panels. Another stunning treatment to the Ford Apollo Edition Mustang was the LED underbody lighting replicating the visual sensation of atmospheric reentry. Inside, exclusive multi-tone sport seats wearing ‘Apollo Project’ emblems and a special instrument panel featuring performance gauges capture the vehicle ready for liftoff.
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| Photo Credit: Ford Motor Company |
Allowing the Ford Apollo Edition Mustang to achieve ground-based rocket abilities, the 5.0-liter V-8 engine receives a booster thanks to a Ford Performance supercharger. With the inclusion of a X-pipe with side and rear exhaust, power enhancements to the Apollo Edition are worth 192 horsepower in addition to the naturally-aspirated engine. A performance shifter, Brembo brakes and a sport-tuned suspension were included on the Apollo Edition Mustang for improved stability.
Alongside the $230,000 auction price for the Ford Apollo Edition Mustang, unique lots such as an Alaskan Adventure and a flight experience with Chuck Aaron (Red Bull helicopter pilot) contributed to a $2.2-million dollar fundraising effort for EAA youth education programs. During the Gathering of Eagles evening, Apollo 13 crew members including retired astronaut Captain Jim Lovell were part of festivities. 45 years since the Apollo 13 mission that nearly averted disaster, the crowd was presented with the pleasure of hearing from the 87-year-old commander of the flight.
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| Photo Credit: Ford Motor Company |
The Apollo Edition Mustang marked the eighth time Ford has donated a one-of-a-kind aviation-themed vehicle to the EAA AirVenture. Between 2008 and 2014, the Ford Mustang sales have collectively raised almost 3 million dollars for EAA youth education programs.
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