Launch Time

Ford builds a charity Mustang that celebrates the Apollo space program

By Steve Turner
Photos courtesy of the Ford Motor Company

For eight years running Ford has graciously supported the Experimental Aircraft Association’s Young Eagles program, which offers young people from ages 8 to 17 an opportunity fly in a general aviation plane. The Blue Oval does so by constructing a one-off Mustang, which is sold at auction during the EAA’s annual Gathering of Eagles event in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

“Ford has helped EAA build unmatched pathways for young people to discover the world of flight through its support of the Gathering of Eagles, our youth programs, and AirVenture,” Jack Pelton, EAA chairman of the board, said. “With its eighth Mustang donation inspired by aviation, Ford continues to excite with its specialty vehicles, which reflects the depth of Ford’s commitment to EAA, its members, and the future of flight.”

Last year’s one-off ride—the F-35 Lightning II Edition—sold for $200,000. That car and its predecessors, which paid tribute to the likes of the Blue Angels and Thunderbirds, all shared an aviation theme, but this year’s edition flies even higher. It is built to celebrate space exploration.

“The Ford Apollo Edition Mustang salutes man’s greatest technological achievement, with the ingenuity, precision, and power that defined the spirit of American innovation,” Edsel B. Ford II, a member of the Ford Board of Directors, said. “Inspired by the Apollo program, Ford Motor Company committed itself to including exhilarating power, cutting-edge technology, and extraordinary craftsmanship in this automobile, which will support the next generation of pilots in EAA’s aviation education programs for young people.”

There should be more to learn about this unique Mustang in the coming days, but for now, here’s a tease…

This year’s AirVenture runs from July 20-26, so mark your calendars. If you want to prequalify for this unique auction, you should get in touch with the EAA development office at (800) 236-1025 or [email protected].

UPDATE: As part of a $2.2-million fund raising effort for EAA’s youth education programs, the Apollo Edition S550 sold for $230,000 at the auction.

“The aviation community united here at Oshkosh to preserve and promote flight for future generations,” Nadia Farr, EAA’s director of donor relations said. “We deeply appreciate and thank all who support EAA’s mission.”

2015 Mustang Apollo Edition Gallery

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