Ford And Roush Create Epic One-Off Mustang GT

While the Ford Mustang wasn't named directly after the legendary North American P-51 Mustang, there was a nod to the aircraft famous for protecting Allied bombers as they attacked Germany during World War II. The P-51 earned its reputation with a blend of endurance and performance necessary for escorting bombers into harm's way and over the long distances needed.

One of the most famous Mustangs was 'Old Crow' flown by Colonel Bud Anderson across 116 combat missions in the war, including during the D-Day invasion of France. Clarence Emil "Bud" Anderson was triple ace after his two combat tours of Europe, and it's him and his plane that Ford and Roush are paying homage to with the 'Old Crow' Mustang GT.

The collaboration between Roush Performance and Ford is a charitable one as 'Old Crow', teased earlier this year, will be auctioned at the Experimental Aircraft Association's 2019 AirVenture air show on July 25 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. All of the proceeds will go to support the Experimental Aircraft Association's youth and adult aviation programs, many of which help prepare the next generation of American pilots.

The replicated paint scheme and badging of 'Old Crow' aren't the only modifications made to the Mustang GT. Unfortunately, a massive Packard built Rolls-Royce Merlin V12 engine as used by Colonel Anderson's Mustang won't fit under the hood. Instead, a Ford and Roush Performance TVS R2650 supercharger helps to boost the 5.0-liter V8 engine to 710 horsepower and 610 lb-ft. of torque. Breathing is improved by a Roush Performance cold air induction system and X pipe as well as a custom active exhaust system from Ford Performance.