DEARBORN, Mich., July 23, 2009 – Ford Motor Company will honor the iconic Ford Mustang automobile and its loyal owners as the company begins its second decade as the exclusive automotive sponsor for the Experimental Aircraft Association’s (EAA) AirVenture Oshkosh. The festivities kick off with free entry to “the world’s greatest aviation celebration” for Mustang drivers on July 27, “Mustang Monday.” EAA AirVenture Oshkosh runs through Aug. 2 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wis.
Mustang drivers can arrive anytime throughout the day on “Mustang Monday,” with the first 2,500 receiving free admission courtesy of Ford Motor Company. Other events centering around the Mustang include the auction of the one-of-a-kind Mustang AV-X10 "Dearborn Doll" to benefit the EAA Young Eagles organization, opportunities to view P-51 Mustangs in flight, the chance to win a charity raffle for a Mustang GT convertible, the Mustang Stampede car show and the Mustang Corral Mechanical Bronco-Riding Expo.
“Like Ford Motor Company, the Mustang’s roots are intertwined with aviation,” said Kevin Keling, corporate events manager, Ford Motor Company. “The vehicle’s very namesake is the P-51 Mustang fighter aircraft used in World War II. As we are launching the new 2010 Mustang , we felt it was only fitting to spotlight the Mustang’s association with performance and aviation history.”
Also on Monday, Ford Motor Company will present the opening day concert performance featuring American blues/rock band The Doobie Brothers. Participants will be treated to a P-51 Mustang flyover during the concert. Just prior to the concert, aerospace engineer Burt Rutan and Virgin founder Sir Richard Branson will debut the Virgin Galactic WhiteKnightTwo space plane at the Ford Stage on AeroShell Square.
Thursday, July 30 is another big day for the Mustang. Ford Motor Company created a truly one-of-a-kind vehicle, the Mustang AV-X10 "Dearborn Doll," to be sold at the Gathering of Eagles Charity Auction. All of the proceeds from the sale will benefit EAA’s Young Eagles organization.
The Mustang AV-X10 "Dearborn Doll" is Build #1 of 1 fully-customized vehicle was created by a dedicated Ford team, including Mustang Chief Designer Darrell Behmer, Design Manager George Saridakis, Mustang Chief Nameplate Engineer Dave Pericak, and Senior Designers Robert Gelardi and Garen Nicoghosian. The Mustang AV-X10 design theme includes exclusive Satin Silver exterior paint with yellow nose cone and rear wing; white gloss accents and the "Dearborn Doll" pin-up art pay homage to famous aircraft of the WWII era, including the P-51 Mustang. The vehicle will be on display at the Ford Hangar at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh beginning July 27.
On Friday, July 31 and Saturday, August 1, EAA AirVenture guests also can view some of the most carefully preserved classic Ford Mustang vehicles as well as modified performance versions in the event’s first car show, the Mustang Stampede. The show will feature cars from Mustang clubs across the Midwest.
On Sunday, August 2, Ford will draw the winner of a Mustang GT convertible from the Young Eagles raffle. The selection will take place after the air show. Tickets for the raffle will be available throughout the week at various locations on the AirVenture grounds.
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 more than 500,000 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 213,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company’s core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, and Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.ford.com.
