You don’t see a fighter-plane-inspired Mustang every day. In collaboration with Roush Performance, Ford presented the “Old Crow” Mustang GT at the Experimental Aircraft Association’s 2019 AirVenture show in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Inspired by U.S. Air Force Colonel Bud Anderson, the special edition Mustang honors the 75th anniversary of D-Day. Ford and Roush Performance will donate proceeds from its July 25 auction to charity.

Inspired by a hero

Pilot Col. Anderson served in World War II, where his P-51 Mustang fighter plane got the nickname “Old Crow” after a whiskey by the same name. For the custom Mustang GT, Rouch Performance recreated the look of the decorated triple ace pilot’s plane for Ford. Aviation enthusiast and Roush Enterprises Founder Jack Roush, Sr. told Ford:

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. My father instilled in me a love of aviation and a deep respect for the brave pilots and airmen of World War II.

The highest-scoring flying ace in his P-51 Mustang squadron, Col. Anderson flew a grueling six-hour mission on D-Day. He earned over 16 aerials victories in the European Theater of World War II. Thanks to the colonel’s exceptional skills, he was neither hit nor forced out of an engagement in 116 combat missions. He received over 25 decorations including the Bronze Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, and Air Medal.

One-of-a-kind Mustang

Roush Enterprises not only gave the 2019 “Old Crow” Mustang GT a similar appearance to Col. Anderson’s fighter plane, but it was also designed for dynamic performance.

The TVS R2650 supercharger provides “Old Crow” with a power boost. Its 5.0-liter V8 engine has a solid 710 hp and 610 lb-ft of torque. It’s impressive when you consider the standard Mustang GT puts out 460 hp and 420 lb-ft. Built for speed and superior handling, “Old Crow” has a custom active exhaust system from Ford and a cold air induction system and X pipe from Roush.

The “Old Crow” Mustang GT can handle all road conditions with Ford’s MagneRide damping system at 1,000 times per second for each damper. Roush’s lightweight 20-inch wheels with 275/35R Continental ExtremeContact tires offer a comfortable, smooth ride.

Inside and out, the car’s styling is a blend of nostalgic genius and racing-inspired prowess. The custom Mustang has “Old Crow” across its hood along with custom heat extractors. The P-51 Mustang badge appears at the front on a custom Roush grille.

The car’s exhaust tips are blue rainbow-tinted just like the ones on the P-51 Mustang fighter planes. The rear fascia aerofoils from Roush lend an aggressive flair. Ford kicked in the front racing spoiler and the same rear spoiler used on the 2020 Mustang Shelby GT500.

The cabin of “Old Crow” is done up in green canvas and leather. The car has a Sparco four-point harness for an aircraft-inspired vibe. The shifter nob and door handles are red and there’s P-51 badging at the dashboard to complete the immersive military theme.

A great cause

The custom “Old Crow” Mustang GT will be on display until July 28 at the EAA AirVenture show. Guests can get a closer look at the car before it’s auctioned on July 25 at The Gathering, the annual EAA AirVenture auction.

Held at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, the event draws over 600,000 aviation fans each year. For 21 years, Ford has been a solid supporter, building 11 custom vehicles and donating them to the auction to raise over $3.5 million to date. Past contributions include a 2015 Mustang Apollo Edition, 2016 “Ole Yeller” Mustang, and 2018 Eagle Squadron Mustang which sold for $420,000. The 2008 Mustang AV8R sold for $500,000 — Ford’s highest-selling auction vehicle at AirVenture, so far.

Proceeds from the auction will support EAA’s adult and youth flying programs. Several of the programs train the next generation of American pilots. Ford and Roush anticipate the 2019 “Old Crow” Mustang GT will sell for a good amount on the auction block this year.