Aviation-Inspired SR-71 Blackbird Ford Mustang Raises $375,000 for Youth Charity

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.