Filed under: Coupes, Sports/GTs, Ford
One-off Ford Mustang AV8R to be auctioned for charity
Click above for a hi-res gallery of the Mustang AV8R
The Ford Mustang AV8R is a one-off, aviation-themed Mustang that's been modified with a suite of upgrades from Ford Racing, including the Handling Pack, a Whipple blower, cold air intake, and a new exhaust. Power from the 4.6L V8 subsequently jumps to 400 horses, and the car is further individualized with a custom exterior and interior. Outside, its Satin Silver finish is offset by a black hood and decklid, red accent lines, dark gray side stripes, an Air Force star on each front quarter panel, and an oversized, etched AF star on the glass roof. The faux gas cap on the trunklid also gets a white star motif, and the rear spoiler is black with a red stripe and the AV8R logo in the corner. The front and rear bumpers are swiped from the California Special, while the grille is the same one used on the Bullitt, only with red trim instead of a metallic finish on the lower lip. It's a very sharp-looking car.
Inside, the two-tone leather seats have embroidered AV8R logos, and their brown inserts are reminiscent of an old bomber jacket. Brown hide also adorns the shifter boot. In the video after the jump, we also learn that the interior trim appliqués are pre-production Bullitt units. The car will be auctioned off to benefit the Gathering of Eagles program, which is encourages young people to get involved in aviation.Back in 2006, the first Shelby GT-H brought $250,000 at an auction benefiting the same organization. If you want a shot at the AV8R, you'll need to get yourself out to Oshkosh this weekend. If you're feeling confident, just book a one-way flight. Maybe you'll be able to drive home.
Gallery: Ford Mustang AV8R
[Sources: Ford / EAA]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
cowboy bob 8:35AM (7/24/2008)
YAAWWWWNN. Another Mustang.
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anonimo 5:30PM (7/24/2008)
If you don't like Mustangs, then why did you bother to read and then reply to this post?
So stupid.
anonimo 5:31PM (7/24/2008)
If you don't like Mustangs, then why did you bother to read and then reply to this article?
cowboy bob 7:18PM (7/24/2008)
First, I never said I didn't like one. Second, why would I be the "stupid" one when it wasn't me who double posted? I love it when people think they are as smart as can be, and then..............not.
mike 9:02AM (7/24/2008)
WOW yet another unique Mustang.
Folks by now almost anyone can buy a special edition Mustang. There are hundreds of them out there, let's hope Camaro won't be doing the same thing.
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Torrent 12:04PM (7/24/2008)
I know for a fact the Camaro will have a lot of Special Editions- just not nearly as many as the Mustang.
anonimo 5:33PM (7/24/2008)
Read the article. Its a one-off custom being done for a charitable auction.
Its cool that Ford is hot-rodding their own cars and auctioning em off. If this was Chip Foose or Funkmaster Flex doing this, nobody would bitch.
WillDaThrill 12:45AM (7/25/2008)
I would, at least I'd bitch about the FMF version. I'm still trying to get over why added his design-ness to a FWD car and had fatter meat on the rear set. Which car will he slather with red and black next.
WillDaThrill 12:48AM (7/25/2008)
I think everyone who wanted a Mustang GT has one. This will probably auction in the low 50k, if it gets that high.
carlover 9:03AM (7/24/2008)
Can someone p-l-e-a-s-e explain to me what is the attraction for souping-up Mustangs? The thing has a solid rear axle, suspension by the Serta mattress company, a wobbly frame and narcoleptic brakes. Yes - its a nice looking car with a particularly nice (old) motor. The only time it drives well is in a straight line! Why then do all these chaps bolt-on blowers, kits and wings? Wouldn't it make more sense to save your hard-earned scratch and buy something decent?
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MeiSooHaityu 5:26PM (7/24/2008)
Basically put, the car isn't perfect, that is what the upgrading is for :) Why have the same as everyone else when you can have a unique ride with LOTS of power (P.S. that V8 motor is fairly new). There is nothing quite like a souped up V8 sports car. I have driven a Mustang with 550 Hp and it was a blast. After something like that (with all that torque :D), I can't see why people soup up little 4-bangers :)
Anyway, P.S. the Camaro WILL see the same treatment. When people have a pasion for these things, they will express it.
anonimo 5:27PM (7/24/2008)
The attraction is the emotion the car elicits. It may not be perfect, but the most enjoyable things never are. I applaud Ford for making a charitable donation when their own times are tough. I challenge Nissan, Toyota, Hyundai, and all the other OEMs making $ to create a special one-off custom of one of their regular production cars and get someone to pay $100,000 for it. Its cool Ford is into hot rodding their own cars, and why not? F off all you haters.
carsteve 9:04AM (7/24/2008)
I think the majority of variations of a popular car is a fun aspect of the Mustang. A Mustang is a car that evokes many emotions with people, and for enthusiasts, there's nothing more satisfying than owning a unique vehicle. Yeah, there are a lot of Mustang variants, but having one of many variations is better than having one of over a million GT or V6 models.
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carsteve 9:05AM (7/24/2008)
*" I think many variations..."
Mazda FTW! 9:05AM (7/24/2008)
Another day...another Mustang special.
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mike 9:18AM (7/24/2008)
Ahhh guys, those of you who who even think of justifying this behavior read this FORD LOST 8.7 BILLION IN 2ND QUATER
http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080724/ANA02/529215502/1200
That's the big news on Automotivenews, i am shoked it is not on Autoblog yet. 8.7 billion dollars.
anonimo 5:37PM (7/24/2008)
$7.1 billion of that 8.7B is a "write down". In other words, Ford is including the loss in stock price per share over the Q2 x number of shares. They actually didn't "lose" this money, is just a loss in value, like depreciation. But what it does is lower the market cap of the company's stock, thereby preventing junk status. That means future stock prices are measured against the new smaller value vs. the larger one. Very smart, Mulally, very very smart.
Red 9:07AM (7/24/2008)
I'm glad this is for charity and all, but can we PLEASE stop with all the Mustang variations and just release a new one? Good grief. There are more variations of just this model Mustang than there are Jelly Belly's.
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anonimo 5:29PM (7/24/2008)
Or they could show the new one just like the Camaro, so we're sick of it by the time it comes out next year. Ford is smart.
nadnarb 9:18AM (7/24/2008)
I want to do a limited edition Mustang too. Aparently I need some cheesy ad ons and a weird name. Then Autoblog will put it online........Well its off to Walmart now to get all the parts I need.
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