ROUSH Performance partnered with Ford Performance to create a special Mustang GT that pays tribute to World War II airman Colonel Bud Anderson and his famous series of “Old Crow” P-51 Mustang fighter aircraft. The car will be auctioned off at the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh air show next month in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
ROUSH Performance has just announced its latest one-off, custom vehicle – the “Old Crow” Ford Mustang GT in commemoration of the 75th anniversary of D-Day today. Developed in collaboration with Ford Performance, the bespoke “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, July 22-28 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, 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 8th 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 features a Ford/ROUSH Performance TVS R2650 supercharger that boosts the 5.0L V8 to 710 horsepower. In honor of the original, the “Old Crow” Ford Mustang GT wears an authentic paint scheme and badging similar to that of Anderson’s P-51D Mustang.