Eagle Squadron Mustang GT for RAF's 100th Anniversary
Daily Slideshow: Created by way of a collaboration with drift master Vaughn Gittin Jr, this GT made its premiere at Goodwood's FoS.
The brave pilots of the Eagle Squadron
The Eagle Squadron Mustang is a tribute to the U.S. volunteer pilots of the same name that flew into combat right alongside the Royal Air Force. Not to waste a moment, the group flew over Europe from the British airfields prior to the US formally entering WW II. There were three squadrons of American pilots who flew with the Brits using planes like Spitfires, P-47 Thunderbolts, and P-51 Mustangs during the war.
More power
The special GT makes use of Spitfire materials to tie the two worlds together. For upgraded power, Ford Performance utilized a supercharger kit to up the 5.0-liter to 700 horsepower and 610 lb-ft of torque. As with previous aviation-themed Mustangs, Ford put the vehicle up for auction at The Gathering with proceeds going to the Experimental Aircraft Asociation's youth aviation education programs. None other than Vaughn Gittin Jr. drove the car at the Goodwood Festival of Speed which is right in the vicinity of the very airfields where the Eagle squadron flew.
>>Join the conversation about the Eagle Squadron RTR Mustang right here in The Mustang Source.
A worthy cause
“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,” said Darrell Behmer, Ford Mustang design chief. “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.”
>>Join the conversation about the Eagle Squadron RTR Mustang right here in The Mustang Source.
Proper performance
Aside from the supercharger on the engine, there is an RTR Tactical Performance Suspension that has an in-car adjustable magnetic damper, lowering springs, and adjustable sway bars. The boosted engine is mated to a Tremec 6-speed manual with a short shifter and an upgraded rear axle.
>>Join the conversation about the Eagle Squadron RTR Mustang right here in The Mustang Source.
What's on the inside?
The interior of the car showcases Recaro racing buckets branded with the Eagle Squadron logo. The shift knob has been hand engraved and comes from a melted down F-35 Lightning and the badge on the dash comes right from the aluminum off a Spitfire. On the outside, the car wears an RTR carbon widebody kit with a spoiler, integrated lights, and various aero parts. The wheels are RTR Aero 7 two-piece 20-inch forged wheels.
>>Join the conversation about the Eagle Squadron RTR Mustang right here in The Mustang Source.
Worth waiting for
After its debut at Goodwood, the Mustang ventured to the 2018 AirVenture Oshkosh event where it was auctioned off on July 26th. At present, Ford has raised more than $3 million towards the organization to encourage and support the next generation of pilots. In addition to the sweet new wheels the winner of the auction received an all expenses paid trip for two to Detroit to attend the 2018 Woodward Dream Cruise in August. Once there, the winner will be presented with the Mustang along with a plaque autographed by members of the Ford design team and Gittin.
>>Join the conversation about the Eagle Squadron RTR Mustang right here in The Mustang Source.
For help with your repair and maintenance projects, please visit the how-to section of our sister site, Mustang Forums.