Blue Angels-themed Mustang to be auctioned off at EAA AirVenture

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Ford has partnered up with EAA AirVenture for the last several years, producing one-off aviation-themed Mustangs that are auctioned off to benefit the EAA Young Eagles program. Whether it's the collectible nature of the cars or just plain generosity by those with deep pockets, the cars have always garnered huge bids. Last year, an SR-71 Blackbird-themed Mustang built in collaboration with Shelby and Roush sold for $375,000, and previous years' cars have sold for up to $500,000.

We fully expect there to be plenty of interest in this year's car as well, with the Blue Angels being chosen as the theme for 2011. The one-off Mustang was built by Creation 'n Chrome in Valencia, California, and features an amazing chrome blue paint scheme that pays homage to the famous F/A-18 Hornets. The Spectra Chrome process that was used along with hand painting the graphics took more than 600 hours to complete. A Boss 302 front fascia, custom rear wing and a set of HRE 590RS wheels complete the look of the exterior.

The Blue Angels theme continues inside, drawing inspiration from the pilots' suits. Dual yellow stripes can be seen on both the seats and seat belts, and the custom Alcantara and leather Recaros each feature an embroidered logo of the Blue Angels' crest. A few pieces from the Boss 302 Laguna Seca parts bin were used inside as well, including the dash-mounted triple gauge pack and the rear seat delete that has also been painted yellow. Even the gauges have been changed to an aviation theme, with the speedometer now displaying "ground speed."

Performance hasn't been ignored either. A supercharger system, Ford Racing handling pack and Brembo brakes have all been installed.

If you want to see the Blue Angels Mustang up close, it will be on display inside the Ford Hangar during EAA AirVenture from July 25-31 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Interested in buying the car? You'll have your chance on July 28 when it goes up for auction. Hit the jump for more details and the official press release from EAA AirVenture.

[Source: EAA AirVenture, Creations 'n Chrome]
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For the fourth straight year, Ford Motor Company has created a unique, "one of one" aviation-themed vehicle for auction to benefit the EAA Young Eagles program. The one-of-a-kind 2012 "Blue Angels" Mustang GT, which honors the Centennial of Naval Aviation, will go to the highest bidder at the Young Eagles Auction during AirVenture 2011 at the annual Gathering of Eagles event on Thursday, July 28.

The exterior of the "Blue Angels" Mustang GT, which was inspired by the acclaimed naval aviation demonstration team, features a unique blue chrome finish with a yellow gloss accent and "Blue Angels" scripted along with its iconic crest. The Blue Angels' crest is also stitched into its leather Recaro seats. Under the skin, the "Blue Angels" Mustang is all performance with a super-charged 5.0L V8 engine producing more than 500-hp, Ford Racing handling pack, performance exhaust, and racetrack brake components.

"Ford is a long-time supporter of EAA and our mission to showcase the finest innovation and technology in flight," said Tom Poberezny, EAA and AirVenture chairman. "The high interest among aviators in the U.S. Navy and the 'Blue Angels' Mustang team will make this a very sought-after item and ensure EAA's ability to do some amazing things for our future aviation enthusiasts."

The Ford "Blue Angels" Mustang will be on display inside the Ford Hangar during EAA AirVenture. This unique automobile continues Ford's generous support for the EAA Young Eagles program, which exceeds $1.3 million in recent years.

The Young Eagles Auction is part of the EAA Gathering of Eagles on Thursday, July 28, at the EAA AirVenture Museum. The Gathering of Eagles annually draws more than 1,000 aviation enthusiasts in support of Young Eagles and other EAA programs that inspire young people to become the engineers, aviators, astronauts, scientists, and innovators - the aviation pioneers of tomorrow.

The "Blue Angels" edition joins the three other one-of-a-kind Mustangs created by the Ford Design and Engineering teams for the EAA Young Eagles Auction in recent years, each desired by both aviation and automotive enthusiasts alike.

In 2008, the Mustang AV8R, with cues from the F-22 "Raptor," introduced the glass-roof canopy and delivered a record auction contribution of $500,000. In 2009, the AV-X10 "Dearborn Doll" auctioned was crafted in honor of World War II aircraft. In 2010, Carroll Shelby, a former U.S. Air Force flight instructor, and Jack Roush, a long-time P-51 pilot, collaborated for the first time to create the SR-71 "Blackbird" inspired by the legendary reconnaissance jet.

"The Ford Design and Engineering team members have really embraced the opportunity to build these one-off projects," said Kevin Keling, Ford corporate events manager. "We develop the theme early and then marvel at the creativity and ingenuity of the team. This blue chrome paint is fantastic and unlike any thing you'll see in production anywhere. The small details such as puddle lamps projecting jets are amazing!"

To participate in the auction, pre-qualify by contacting Matt Miller in the EAA Development Office at 800-236-1025 or via e-mail by Monday, July 25. For more information on the Gathering event, click here.

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