Ford Gets Second Decade off the Ground at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh

DEARBORN, Mich., July 21, 2009 – Ford Motor Company returns to Oshkosh, Wisc. in 2009 to begin its second decade as the exclusive automotive sponsor for EAA’s AirVenture Oshkosh, the world’s greatest aviation celebration. Ford brings some of the latest advances in automobile technology and many of the industry’s most revered classics to the popular “Ford Hangar” at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh. Ford joins other key sponsors in bringing first-rate entertainment and attractions to the exciting annual meeting of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). EAA AirVenture Oshkosh takes place July 27 to Aug. 2.

EAA AirVenture 2009 will feature 10,000 aircraft, including 2,500 show planes, and is expected to attract more than 500,000 aviation enthusiasts from more than 70 countries. Among the aircraft on display will be EAA’s Ford Tri-Motor, one of only three operational models of the classic airplane in the world. All Ford events and attractions are free and open to all EAA AirVenture attendees. Ford offers a special Partner Recognition vehicle purchase plan to EAA members.

“The hundreds of thousands of aviation fans who make the trip to Oshkosh are an outstanding group that shares Ford Motor Company’s appreciation for cutting edge technology, whether it be cruising on a highway or streaking across the sky,” said Edsel B. Ford II, a member of Ford’s Board of Directors. “EAA AirVenture is the perfect forum for our company to express its admiration for aviation and to celebrate our strong connection to the industry. I look forward this event every year.”

Aviation-Inspired One-Off Mustang AV-X10 Auction

The Mustang AV-X10 "Dearborn Doll" is Build #1 of 1 and will be a collector’s dream vehicle. It will be sold at auction during EAA AirVenture Thursday, July 30 at the Gathering of Eagles to benefit EAA’s Young Eagles, which has provided free introductory flights to nearly 1.3 million young people since 1992 while also teaching the value of hard work, personal responsibility and enhanced math and science skills.

The AV-X10 utilizes the 2010 Mustang GT Glass Roof model as the starting point. From there the car takes on its one-of-a-kind personality. Ford Racing performance modifications (Supercharger, Handling Pack, tuned exhaust, and exhaust tips) help generate 550-horsepower from the aluminum block 4.6L 24-valve engine.

AV-X10’s stunning 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 such as the P-51 Mustang.

The aviation-inspired interior features Bader "worn" leather with khaki shaded, diamond tucked seat and door trim panel inserts. Ford Racing Pyrometer, Boost, and Fuel Pressure gauges, plus unique "Ground Speed" and AV-X10 cluster graphics complete the package.

Enhancing the value and allure of the vehicle, the Mustang AV-X10 "Dearborn Doll" will also feature autographs from aviation legends and celebrities attending EAA AirVenture, which could include Harrison Ford, Edsel B. Ford II, Jack Roush, Carroll Shelby and others. The vehicle will be on display at the Ford Hangar at EAA AirVenture, beginning July 27.

F-150 Raptor Simulator