700HP Eagle Squadron Mustang Gathers Over $400,000 For Young Pilots

After an exciting climb, which included Vaughn Gittin Jr. piloting it up the famed hillclimb at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the Eagle Squadron Mustang RTR flew across the auction block. During The Gathering at the Experimental Aircraft Association’s annual Airventure, the one-off pony car helped push the EAA’s fund-raising efforts over $2.4 million.

The money raised is going to aid the EAA’s Young Eagles and the car is headed to a new home! — Vaughn Gittin Jr., RTR Vehicles

“Great seeing the Eagle Squadron Mustang sell last night at auction for $420,000!” Vaughn Gittin Jr. enthused on social media. “The money raised is going to aid the EAA’s Young Eagles and the car is headed to a new home! It was an honor for the RTR team and I to make this epic collaboration with Ford Performance come to reality!”

Inspired by the British Spitfire fighter planes that flew during Operation Goodwood almost 80 years ago, the Eagle Squadron Mustang is the latest in a long line of one-off vehicles created by Ford to raise money for EAA’s Young Eagles, which offers young people the opportunity to learn how to fly.

“Supporting young pilots through the Experimental Aircraft Association’s fund-raising auction reflects Ford’s aviation history, tracing back to the company’s early days and the arsenal of democracy during World War II,” Darrell Behmer, Ford Mustang design chief, said when the car was revealed. “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.”

The cause is definitely cool, but so is the car. And, the winning bidder also earned an all-inclusive trip for two to the Woodward Dream Cruise next month.