Vaughn Gittin Jr. Pilots 700HP Eagle Squadron Mustang At Goodwood

For over a decade, Ford has created one-of-a-kind vehicles to benefit the Experimental Aircraft Association’s Young Eagles program, which gives young people the opportunity to become pilots. This year Ford created a 2018 Mustang that pays tribute to American fighter pilots who served in the Royal Air Force during World War II.

Supporting young pilots through the EAA Young Eagles charity auction reflects Ford’s aviation history. — Darrell Behmer, Ford Motor Company

Like its predecessors, including the F-22 Raptor and Ole Yeller Mustang, the Eagle Squadron Mustang will be auctioned at the EEA’s Airventure event held in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. However, in addition to its unique nature, this one will have special story as well, because pro drifter and Ultimate Fun Haver, Vaughn Gittin Jr. will pilot it on the historic hillclimb at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the United Kingdom on July 12.

“Supporting young pilots through the EAA Young Eagles charity auction reflects Ford’s aviation history, tracing back to the company’s early days and the Arsenal of Democracy during WWII,” said Darrell Behmer, Ford Mustang design chief. “The Eagle Squadron Mustang GT build with Vaughn and the Ford design team is a great way to honor our heroes and keep the spirit of aviation alive for the next generation of American pilots.”

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To honor the volunteer American pilots that made up the World War II Royal Air Force Eagle that defended Britain before the US joined the war, Ford Performance and RTR Vehicles collaborated on the project. The resulting Mustang carries the aggressive theme of those squadrons by wearing a similar camouflage paint scheme over its RTR carbon fiber wide-body kit, and an eagle emblazoned on its roof. Under that body is the same Tactical Performance suspension package available on Mustang RTRs. And, to give it more airspeed, a Ford Performance Parts supercharger pushes its output to 700 horsepower.

So far Ford’s 11 unique vehicle auctions have raised millions to support the Young Eagles program, and the Eagle Squadron Mustang will add to that tally when it returns from Goodwood. On July 26 it will cross the auction block at Airventure 2018 and the high bidder will not only drive away in a one-of-one Mustang, but they will receive an all-inclusive 2018 Ford Woodward Dream Cruise package. It will bring the winning bidder to Detroit in August to take delivery of the car. The buyer will also receive a plaque autographed by Vaughn and members of the Ford design team.

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With the car and that Woodward package up for grabs, this car is sure to raise a nice chunk of change for the Young Eagles, so get ready to bid by contacting EAA at (920) 426-6573 or gathering@EAA.org. Until then, watch Vaughn put this machine through its paces in the United Kingdom.