Ford Styles One-Off Mustang GT After Air Force’s Thunderbirds to be Auctioned for Charity

With Independence Day rapidly approaching, Ford has announced the production of a one-off Mustang GT decked out in the go-fast accouterment that makes us love freedom so much. The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds Edition Ford Mustang GT—try saying that in between mouthfuls of barbecue—commemorates the 60th anniversary of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds fighter planes, and not the Blue Oval's nameplate laid to rest in 2005. The Thunderbirds edition will be auctioned off to benefit the Young Eagles program of the Experimental Aircraft Association. This is Ford's fifth tie-up with the Young Eagles in as many years; the automaker's past munificence has led to the creation of similarly decked-out Mustangs with aircraft connections and has raised more than $2 million for the organization. Based on the first Mustang GT off the 2014 line, the glass-roofed Thunderbirds Edition Stang wears a patriotic red-white-and-blue livery that mimics that of the Thunderbirds' F-16 Fighting Falcons. Body enhancements include wider, bespoke panels produced by TS Designs, and a unique belly pan and decals emblematic of the demonstration squad's, done by California-based Creations n' Chrome. Forgiato-designed 22-inch wheels handily fill out the Mustang's amplified wheel wells. Inside, the strictly two-seater special-edition model features a unique navigation screen, instrument cluster, and embroidery, as well as Recaro front seats. As if there weren't already visual cues that set this Mustang apart, the Thunderbirds Edition Mustang's puddle lamps display an image of an F-16 (!) instead of the usual prancing pony. Long-Term Road Test Intro: 2013 Ford Mustang GT Instrumented Test: 2013 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca Feature: Flat Out! We Gun for 200 mph in the 2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Under the hood, a supercharger provides the fireworks for the Thunderbirds edition, which likely will provide a nice power boost to the GT's 5.0-liter V-8, although Ford was mum on specific horsepower. Upgrades to the suspension, and Brembos at all four corners, round out performance enhancements performed by Ford Racing. Keen on bidding? One month from today, the special-edition Stang will go to the highest bidder at the AirVenture Oshkosh 2013 air show. The winner will have the unique pleasure of owning a Ford with not one, but three Blue Oval nameplates—Falcon, Mustang, and Thunderbird—rolled into one. Combined with a paint job that screams "America," that's reason enough for us. from Car and Driver Blog http://blog.caranddriver.com

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