Old Crow: Custom Mustang to Tribute WWII Fighter Pilot
ROUSH Performance has unveiled its latest one-off, custom vehicle: The Old Crow Ford Mustang GT. The car will be created in commemoration of the 75th anniversary of D-Day.
Developed in collaboration with Ford Performance, Old Crow features an array of unique touches. The vehicle honors World War II ace Col. Bud Anderson’s legendary P-51D Mustang fighter aircraft. The new vehicle will be on display at the Experimental Aircraft Association AirVenture show in Oshkosh, Wisconsin on July 22-28, where it will be auctioned off to raise money for EAA’s youth education program.
“The team at ROUSH Performance is proud to have worked alongside Ford to build this tribute to one of America’s greatest WWII heroes,” said Jack Roush Jr. “ROUSH has stood by Col. Anderson since my father recreated Bud’s P-51B Mustang and there couldn’t be a better way to honor a living legend than with this incredible car.”
Anderson, 97, a triple ace fighter pilot, flew two combat tours and 116 missions for the Eight Air Force’s 357th Fighter Group, 363rd Fighter Squadron and is recognized as its third leading ace with 16 aerial victories. He flew in P-51 Mustangs and named each of the airplanes Old Crow. During his service, Anderson was never hit by enemy fire, including while providing aerial support to Allied troops on D-Day. He spent more than six continuous hours in flight that day in the last of his three P-51B Mustangs.
Anderson earned more than 25 decorations, including the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star and Air Medal in recognition of his heroism.
The Old Crow Mustang GT designed by ROUSH Performance and Ford will feature a Ford/ROUSH Performance TVS R2650 supercharger that boosts the 5.0L V-8 to 710 horsepower. In honor of the original, the Old Crow Ford Mustang GT will wear an authentic paint scheme and badging similar to that of Anderson’s P-51D Mustang.
Look for additional details of the “Old Crow” Ford Mustang GT in the coming weeks.
The Old Crow Mustang will be auctioned live on July 25 at The Gathering event with all proceeds going to benefit the Experimental Aircraft Association’s youth education program which helps support the next generation of aviators.
Visit ROUSHperformance.com to learn more about ROUSH vehicles and products.
