One-off vehicle produced in first collaboration between Jack Roush, Carroll Shelby and Ford Motor Company auctioned during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2010 
DEARBORN, Mich., July 29, 2010 – Ford Motor Company’s one-of-a-kind, aviation-themed 2011 Ford Mustang raised $375,000 for the nonprofit Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Young Eagles organization at an auction Thursday evening. This truly unique vehicle, in the first-ever collaboration between legendary automotive icons Jack Roush and Carroll Shelby, was auctioned during the Gathering of Eagles event at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2010, the world’s greatest aviation celebration. A man from Texas purchased the vehicle.
Ford, the exclusive automotive partner of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, brought together Shelby and Roush to create the SR-71 “BlackBird” Mustang specifically for the Gathering of Eagles event. To date, Ford vehicles sold at auction during EAA AirVenture events have collectively raised more than $1.3 million to support the Young Eagles.
EAA’s Young Eagles provides youth education and experiences that prepare young people to become future engineers, pilots and innovators. The Young Eagles organization has provided free introductory flights to nearly 1.5 million youth since 1992, while also teaching the value of hard work, personal responsibility and enhanced math and science skills.
“Ford Motor Company’s historic tie to aviation is no better represented than by the company’s commitment as a continued partner of EAA and AirVenture, a celebration of flight here in Oshkosh that is unmatched anywhere else in the world,” said Tom Poberezny, EAA chairman and president. “Ford’s generosity in donating the Mustang SR-71 ‘Blackbird’ to the Gathering of Eagles further demonstrates a dedication to supporting aviation and inspiring aviation enthusiasts of all ages.”
The “SR-71” designation holds a dual meaning for the one-of-a-kind, fully-customized Mustang. First, “SR-71” refers to the car’s design and performance-inspired connection with the SR-71 Blackbird, the aircraft that holds all official airspeed and altitude records and is widely regarded as one of the most spectacular planes ever produced. Second, “SR” represents the first collaborative project between Shelby and Roush.
Mustang Chief Designer Darrell Behmer led design for the project and Mustang Chief Nameplate Engineer Dave Pericak led the engineering effort. Ford Racing Performance Parts also were added to further enhance the exclusivity of the car.
“Bringing together true automotive legends like Jack Roush and Carroll Shelby with the leading minds on the Ford Mustang design and engineering teams has been a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” said Edsel B. Ford II, a member of Ford’s Board of Directors. “This year’s SR-71 ‘Blackbird’ pays tribute to the original SR-71 aircraft that took its first flight in 1964, the year the first Ford Mustang came off the line. This project is a tribute to significant moments in aviation and automotive history and a nod toward the young innovators of the future.”
The SR-71 “Blackbird” Ford Mustang is Build #1 of 1 and is based on a 2011 Mustang GT 5.0. Ford racing performance modifications (Supercharger performance enhancement, Track Pack Handling Package) also were added to further enhance the exclusivity of the car and generate 100 additional horsepower from the all-aluminum 5.0l 32-valve V8 engine. The special racing Handling Pack optimizes the performance experience and lowers the ride height by 1-inch.
From interior to exterior, the SR-71 Blackbird was inspired by the original aircraft. The Mustang’s design includes black and gray matte exterior paint and graphic treatment, performance wheels, front and rear fascias and an integrated spoiler/wing to mirror the car’s namesake. Reflected in the exterior paint treatment, the “Blackbird” nickname takes center stage with markings that look like the plane’s fluids streaking its exterior after takeoff. With seating for two, the interior includes a roll-cage, racing seats, embroidered signatures of Jack Roush and Carroll Shelby and special instrument cluster graphics.
About EAA AirVenture Oshkosh
The annual meeting of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), EAA AirVenture features more than 2,500 show aircraft, including homebuilts, antiques, classics, warbirds, ultralights and rotorcraft, and is expected to attract nearly 600,000 aviation enthusiasts. During the week, more than 500 forums are conducted by aviation leaders and NASA researchers, along with FAA personnel, aircraft designers and a host of others. EAA AirVenture is a 24-hour event. For more information, please visit www.AirVenture.org
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 176,000 employees and about 80 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln and Mercury, production of which has been announced by the company to be ending in the fourth quarter of 2010, and until its sale, Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.ford.com
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