For the 10th year Ford helped create a unique vehicle that was auctioned off to support Experimental Aircraft Association’s Young Eagles program, which offer flight instruction to young people. This year’s one-off creation was the result of collaboration between Ford, Ford Performance, and Mustang RTR. The result was the Eagle Squadron Mustang GT.
Designed as a tribute to the 100th anniversary of the Royal Air Force and the Eagle Squadron, made up of volunteer U.S. pilots. These heroes flew combat missions over Europe with British pilots before the United States joined World War II.
Our thanks to Brayton for his support of the Experimental Aircraft Association and the next generation of pilots. — Darrell Behmer, Ford
“This entire experience has been incredible — from the design collaboration and build of the Eagle Squadron Mustang GT, to being buzzed at speed by a real Spitfire and blasting up the hill at Goodwood and, now, handing the car off to Brayton,” Vaughn enthused. “I’m honored to work with the Ford Performance team and the Experimental Aircraft Association to help the next generation of pilots keep their dreams alive.”
On August 18, 2018, at Mustang Alley along the Woodward Dream Cruise, Vaughn Gittin Jr. handed the key fob to this one-off Eagle Squadron Mustang GT to its new owner, Brayton Williams. (Photo Credit: Ford Motor Company)
If you have been following along, you know the Eagle Squadron Mustang GT raised a whopping $420,000 for the cause. That act of charity is thanks to the winning bidder, Brayton Williams.
“Our thanks to Brayton for his support of the Experimental Aircraft Association and the next generation of pilots,” Darrell Behmer, Ford Mustang design chief, said. “It’s been a great honor to work with Vaughn and his team to support this great organization, and to honor the pilots of the famed Eagle Squadron.”
“We very much appreciate Brayton’s winning bid, because these proceeds allow EAA’s inspirational and supportive programs to keep the dream of aviation alive for the next generation of pilots and those in other flight careers,” Jack Pelton, CEO and chairman, Experimental Aircraft Association, added.
As part of his winning bid, Brayton also won a trip to the Woodward Dream Cruise, where he received the key fob for his new Mustang from Vaughn and celebrated by cruising down Woodward in this one-of-a-kind pony car.