FORD MUSTANG 'RED TAILS' SPECIAL EDITION

The Red Tails Mustang was created specifically for auction at July's EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) AirVenture show at Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Ford is a major partner of this annual airshow that has trade as well as public elements, and this year attracted close to half a million visitors. Proceeds from the sale at the 'Gathering of Eagles' auction went to the EAA Young Eagles organization, which provides introductory flights to kids with an interest in aviation. This latest Mustang continues the tradition of Ford supplying one-off vehicles to benefit the EAA, which, including this year, have raised over US$2 million for the charity organisation.

The Tuskegee Airmen were the first African-American Air Corps unit, and saw combat in more than 1,500 missions during World War II. The 'Red Tails' nickname came from the all-red tail section of the North American P51 Mustang fighter planes the fighter squadrons flew against the Luftwaffe in the latter years of WWII. As the 332nd flew the P-51, 2013 Mustang VIN #00051, a 5.0 litre GT glass roof coupe, was an appropriate subject for the one-of-a-kind creation.

Aside from the red rear end, other details inspired by the fighter plane included a red nose with red and yellow chequering detail, American aircraft identification roundel and number on the body, Tuskegee Airmen script and blackout section on the bonnet, which mimics the anti-glare painted nose section on the Mustang aircraft. The silver paint on the rest of the body is a non-production colour, designed to mimic the polished aluminium finish of the Mustang fighter plane.

While the Red Tails Mustang looked stunning, it was more than just a showpony. The 2013 GT had been fitted with a comprehensive range of performance upgrades, including a Ford Racing 2.3-litre twin-screw Whipple supercharger, handling pack, unique side exhaust, performance quad exhaust from SVT, Forgiato 20-inch aftermarket wheels, GT500 Brembo brakes, Boss-style front valance and grille, 2013-spec Laguna Seca front splitter, Roush sill mouldings, Boss rear spoiler and GT500 rear diffuser.

Inside, the Red Tails Mustang featured a Boss steering wheel, Recaro seats with the Red Tails logo, and seat belts embroidered with the Tuskegee Airmen script. The Red Tails' satnav screen featured logos and still images relating to the 332nd, with the fighter group's logo also on the fuel filler cap and floor mats. Mustang Chief Designer Darrell Behmer, Design Manager Melvin Betancourt and Chief Nameplate Engineer Dave Pericak led the design and engineering teams that developed the Red Tails Mustang.

At the Young Eagles auction, the Red Tails Mustang sold for US$370,000, a little under what past examples of these special Mustangs have sold for, but still pretty impressive! The Gathering of Eagles auction annually draws more than 1,000 aviation enthusiasts in support of Young Eagles and other EAA programs that inspire young people to become engineers, aviators, astronauts, scientists and the aviation innovators of the future.

Other unique vehicles produced by Ford in support of EAA Young Eagles include the Mustang AV8R, with cues from the F-22 "Raptor" fighter plane, which in 2008 helped introduce the glass-roof canopy and delivered a record auction contribution of $500,000. In 2009, Ford's AV-X10 "Dearborn Doll" Mustang was crafted in honor of World War II aircraft. In 2010, two automotive icons - the late Carroll Shelby, a former U.S. Air Force flight instructor, and Jack Roush, longtime P-51 pilot - collaborated for the first time to create the SR-71 "Blackbird" Mustang inspired by the legendary reconnaissance jet. Last year's "Blue Angels" Mustang celebrated 100 years of United States naval aviation.