Roush Performance and Ford are honoring World War II flying ace Colonel Bud Anderson with a charity collaboration 2019 “Old Crow” Mustang GT, inspired by the P-51 Mustang airplanes Anderson flew in combat.
According to Ford, Anderson provided aerial support for Allied troops in his P-51 Mustang for more than six-consecutive hours and was never hit by enemy fire on D-Day.
Throughout his career, Anderson served as a triple ace fighter pilot, earned more than 25 decorations, and flew over 116 missions in P-51 Mustangs, which he nicknamed “Old Crow.”
The car, unveiled July 16, will be auctioned at the Experimental Aircraft Association’s 2019 AirVenture air show on July 25 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
“It is truly special to have the opportunity to honor a great American hero and a truly great friend of mine such as Colonel Bud Anderson,” said Jack Roush Sr., Roush Enterprises founder.
Roush previously honored Anderson in 1994 when he re-created an authentic P-51 Mustang aircraft with the same badging and paint scheme as Anderson’s plane.
“My father instilled in me a love of aviation and a deep respect for the brave pilots and airmen of World War II. Building this incredible ‘Old Crow’ Mustang, especially to support the next generation of America’s pilots, has been a very rewarding opportunity and one that we’re proud to share with the world.”
The Mustang GT features a custom paint scheme and badging replicating Col. Anderson’s iconic P-51 Mustang fighter plane. A P-51 Mustang badge adorns the front while “Old Crow” is written on the hood. The decklid is adorned by an authentic Eighth Air Force badge.
Exterior modifications include a Ford Performance front racing spoiler, a 2020 Mustang Shelby GT500 rear spoiler, Roush rear-fascia aerofoils, and anodized exhaust tips which emulate the exhaust on the P-51.
The interior is military-themed with green leather, canvas, and red accents on the shift knob and door handles. Additional highlights include a four-point Sparco harness and an aluminum rear-seat delete.
The 5.0-liter V8 engine is capable of 710 horsepower and 610 lb-ft of torque thanks to its Ford and Roush Performance TVS R2650 supercharger. Other performance modifications include a Roush Performance cold-air intake, X-pipe, and custom Ford Performance active exhaust system.
To complete the look, the Old Crow GT received a set of 20-inch lightweight Roush wheels wrapped in Continental ExtremeContact sport tires.
The Mustang crosses the block on July 25 during the annual EAA AirVenture auction – The Gathering – held during EAA’s AirVenture show, where the car will be on display July 22-28. Online bidding is available to those not in attendance.
All proceeds from the sale will be donated to support EAA’s youth and adult aviation programs.
To learn more about Experimental Aircraft Association, or the 2019 “Old Crow” Mustang GT, visit the Experimental Aircraft Association webpage.