Though every Ford Mustang built since 1964 has featured at least one galloping pony badge, the Mustang name was actually derived from the P-51 Mustang fighter plane that dominated the skies over Europe in World War II. Over the years Ford has kept the legacy of the P-51 alive through its pony car, offering special edition vehicles and unique one-offs donated to a special cause.

The Ole Yeller Mustang is a case of the latter, a one-and-done high-performance special based around the Shelby GT350 that will be auctioned off at the end of the month to benefit Experimental Aircraft Association’s (EAA) youth education programs, including the Young Eagles.

Ford’s design team took its inspiration from the famous North American P-51D Mustang that has served as the official pace and safety plane at the Reno National Championship Air Races. Famous USAF fighter pilot and airshow performer Bob Hoover piloted the original Ole Yeller for more than 20 years, making more than 1,000 air show performances in his bright yellow-painted Mustang.  Ole Yeller and Hoover still hold the prop plane record for coast-to-coast travel at 5 hours and 20 minutes, set back in 1985.

Starting with the Shelby GT350 as its base and boasting the 526 horsepower 5.2 liter Voodoo V8, Ole Yeller is ready to race right from the factory. Though Ford left the performance side of things alone, Ole Yeller does feature a custom yellow exterior finish with unique accents and badging, as well as unique carbon fiber components and mirrors projecting images of the aircraft. The interior is equipped with specially designed Recaro seats, sill plates, floor mats with unique logos and aviation inspired gauges. Oh, and don’t forget that green underglow. Clutch.

This is the ninth unique Mustang Ford has created for the EAA, including last year’s “Apollo Edition” Mustang that paid homage to the U.S. space program.

#MURICA