A few days ago we told you about this one-off aviation-themed Ford Mustang made in a joint project between Ford, Carroll Shelby and Jack Roush, which will be auctioned for Charity on Thursday, July 29 at the EAA Museum in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Now the company released official pictures of the finished car, and it looks really awesome! The paint job on this Mustang is inspired by the Lockheed Martin SR-71 “Blackbird”.

Press Release:

Two automotive icons, legendary racer and manufacturer Carroll Shelby, and world-renowned racer, engineer and designer Jack Roush, have come together in their first vehicle collaboration project to join Ford in creating a one-off 2011 Mustang, the aviationthemed
SR-71 “Blackbird.” The one-of-a-kind vehicle will be sold at the Gathering of Eagles July 29 during the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) 2010 AirVenture Oshkosh, the world’s greatest aviation celebration. Ford is the exclusive automotive partner of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh and all of the proceeds from the sale will benefit the EAA Young Eagles organization. EAA AirVenture Oshkosh will be held from July 26 to Aug. 1 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wis.

The “SR-71” designation holds a dual meaning for the one-of-a-kind, fully-customized Mustang. First, “SR-71” refers to the car’s design and performance-inspired connection with the SR-71 Blackbird, the aircraft that holds all official airspeed and altitude records and is widely regarded as one of the most spectacular planes ever produced. Second, “SR” represents the first collaborative project between Shelby and Roush. Mustang Chief Designer Darrell Behmer led design for the project and Mustang Chief Nameplate Engineer Dave Pericak led the engineering effort. Ford Racing Performance Parts were also added to further enhance the exclusivity of the car. The sale of the SR-71 “Blackbird” will highlight an evening of festivities at the EAA Gathering of Eagles July 29 during AirVenture.

The group that will directly benefit from the auction proceeds is EAA’s Young Eagles, which has provided free introductory flights to more than 1.5 million young people since 1992, while also teaching the value of hard work, personal responsibility and enhanced math and science skills. “Ford Motor Company’s historic tie to aviation is no better represented than by the company’s commitment as a continued partner of EAA and AirVenture, a celebration of flight here in Oshkosh that is unmatched anywhere else in the world,” said Tom Poberezny, EAA chairman and president. “Ford’s generosity in donating the Mustang SR-71 ‘Blackbird’ to the Gathering of Eagles further demonstrates a dedication to supporting aviation and inspiring aviation enthusiasts of all ages.”

In 2008, Ford’s inaugural vehicle specially-built in support of the Young Eagles, the one-of-a-kind Mustang AV8R, raised a record $500,000 for the charity. “The excitement around the 2008 AV8R, our first one-off Mustang ever produced, inspired us to push for another, first, the collaboration of Carroll Shelby and Jack Roush,” said Edsel B Ford II, a member of Ford’s Board of Directors. “This year’s SR-71 Blackbird is a special tribute to Ford’s lineage of performance vehicles, as well as to the promising innovators of EAA’s Young Eagles.”

Ford vehicles sold at auction during past EAA AirVenture events have collectively raised more than $1 million to support the Young Eagles. The Mustang SR-71 “Blackbird” is Build #1 of 1 and presents a truly unique opportunity for collectors. The vehicle is based on a 2011 Mustang GT 5.0 with the glass roof option. Ford Racing performance modifications (Supercharger, Handling Pack, tuned exhaust, and exhaust tips) generate 100 additional horsepower from the all-aluminum 5.0L 32-valve V8 engine. The special racing Handling Pack optimizes the performance experience and lowers the ride height by 1-inch.

From there, the car takes on a design personality similar to that of the original SR-71 Blackbird aircraft. The Mustang’s stunning design theme includes black and gray matte exterior paint with harmonious SR-71 themed graphic treatment, performance wheels, front and rear fascias and an integrated spoiler/wing to reflect the car’s connection with its namesake aircraft, which made its inaugural flight in 1964, the year the first Ford Mustang came off the line. The “Blackbird” nickname is reflected in the car’s exterior paint treatment, complete with markings from the liquids which leaked and streaked until the plane came up to speed. A unique screen print glass roof design and exterior artwork reflect the unbridled spirit of the Ford Design team.

The interior cockpit will seat only two and includes a roll-cage, racing seats and fire extinguisher, The signatures of Jack Roush and Carroll Shelby are embroidered into the seats, and special gauges and instrument cluster graphics have been added.

Enhancing the value and allure of the vehicle, the Mustang SR-71 “Blackbird” will feature an appliqué autograph area capturing Roush and Shelby’s signatures and badging to further reinforce the uniqueness of the car. The vehicle will be on display at the Ford Hangar at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh beginning July 26.
Additionally, Ford and EAA will give AirVenture attendees the chance to win a 2011 Mustang GT convertible and other cash prizes in a raffle, with proceeds benefiting the EAA Young Eagles program.
During EAA AirVenture, Ford also will offer attendees access to the latest advances in automobile technology, as well as many of the industry’s most revered classics at the popular “Ford Hangar” on the grounds of Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh. Ford activities will include top-tier entertainment and interactive components that will add excitement for the hundreds thousands of aviation fans in attendance.

Design Vision

·         Modify a new 2011 Mustang GT glass roof coupe.
·         Design led by Darrell Behmer, Mustang Chief Designer.
·         Engineering led by Dave Pericak, Mustang Chief Nameplate Engineer.
·         Exterior paint in unique non-production matte and silver treatment with SR-71 cues.
·         Harmonious paint and graphic treatment could include: Blackbird accents, fluid discharge markings, abstract Air Force Star and Bar, LM Skunk Works elements, glass roof etching treatment, etc.
·         Interior modifications planned include: performance gauges, modified nav screen & instrument clusters, racing seats & steering wheel, rear seat delete, roll cage, IP badging, unique sill plates & floor mats
·         Performance modifications could include:  Ford Racing Super Charger, Handling Pack, Tuned Exhaust, Exhaust Tips, and SVT Track Pack wheels in custom paint.
·         Pursuing rear seat delete approach to accentuate cockpit environment.
·         Lower a minimum of 1 inch.
·         Autograph areas to capture Carroll Shelby and Jack Roush signatures and badging to reinforce the unique nature of this build.

Engine & Performance

·         Provide a truly unique and highly valued vehicle to excite enthusiasts and collectors.
·         Amplify the legendary connections associated with this project: Carroll Shelby, Jack Roush, Lockheed SR-71, and Ford Mustang.
·         Go beyond the automotive connections – Shelby as USAF flight instructor, Roush P-51 pilot.
·         Generate enthusiasm and bolster opinion among the 580,000 AirVenture attendees – car vs. plane races, Shelby GT350/500 vs. Roush Stage 3/427R.
·         Expand impressions through integration in EAA website, PA announcements, auto and aviation industry publications, and on-site promotion.
·         Showcase Ford/Roush/Shelby relationships and collaboration to support EAA Young Eagles.
·         Further cement Ford Motor Company as the leading partner in AirVenture through our deep and unwavering support of EAA objective to provide funds for youth interested in aviation careers.  Three FMC vehicles have raised $1 million for the Young Eagles – the Mustang AV8R raised $500,000 in 2008, the AV-X10 generated $250,000 in 2009, and the Mustang GTH raised $250,000 in 2006.

Thanks ashoush for the tip!