Roush Performance and Ford make ‘Old Crow’ Mustang
Paying homage to triple ace WWII pilot Col. Bud Anderson and his P-51 Mustang plane, Roush and Ford build a custom GT for auction.
The “Old Crow,” affectionately named after the P-51 Mustang Col. Bud Anderson took into combat during WWII, will be going for auction on July 25th at the Wittman Regional Airport for 2019’s Experimental Aircraft Association’s (EAA) Airventure in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The EAA Airventure is one of the biggest aviation gatherings in the county, as the EAA hosts many programs for both youth and adults to become talented pilots. In a press release by Ford Media, it’s stated that the intent of the build is to offer respect to Col. Anderson’s memory and to leave room for other pilots of his caliber to realize their potential. As a gesture of total support, all proceeds from the auction will go towards the airfield’s pilot programs.
Colonel Bud Anderson is a man who is worthy of such an incredible gesture. For the American Air Force, he earned the US 16 aerial victories whilst in Europe, and participated in 116 combat missions. Additionally, the incredible pilot flew for America for six hours on D-Day. Despite all his time in the European air and under fire, never once was he struck or forced to withdraw. In recognition for his incredible devotion to the freedom of our country and to his talent, Col. Anderson earned 25 official decorations – which includes a Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, and Air Medal. What makes this custom GT even more special is that Col. Anderson is still around to see it.
“Heroes like Col. Bud Anderson have become true living legends in the 75 years since the Allied invasion of Normandy,” said Ford Design Director Craig Metros. “Ford is proud to team up with Roush Performance to honor Col. Anderson and all of the brave servicemen and servicewomen who risked their lives during World War II, all while raising funds for the Experimental Aircraft Association, which helps make flying more accessible to America’s youth.”
The design of the car is to follow in the footsteps of Anderson’s plane. This means that the typography on the hood, the plane number on the doors, and the writing on the fender are identical to that on Anderson’s P-51. What better way to honor the P-51 Mustang’s aerial prowess and power than to have Anderson’s badges on a car that’s named after the wild ponies of the west as well?
The grille is customized to include the nickname “Old Crow,” as well as the classic badge seen on the P-51 planes. On the deck lid panel, an authentic Eighth Air Force emblem badge is placed. Additionally, an “Anderson” badge stretches across the top of the windshield and his plane numbers, 414 and 450, are on the rear fenders. To add to exterior uniqueness, Roush implemented their rear fascia aerofoils and 20 inch custom wheels.
“Ford and Roush Performance are helping build the next generation of aviation through their support of EAA, AirVenture and The Gathering,” said EAA CEO and Chairman of the Board Jack J. Pelton. “This project not only will be a highlight of The Gathering; its impact will help EAA reach those who are pursuing their own dreams of flight.”
On the inside, the aeronautical symbolism is equally as prominent as the exterior. The normally black leather seats are now military green. The shifter knob and door hands are green, red and canvas colored, and “P-51” is written on the dashboard in front of the passenger seat as though it were on the side of a plane. To keep the driver and a passenger safe from the, Ford and Roush thought it best to have four-point Sparco harnesses. Though, no one can sit in the back, since it comes with an aluminum rear seat delete.
“It is truly special to have the opportunity to honor a great American hero and a truly great friend of mine such as Col. Bud Anderson,” said Roush, Sr. “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.”
Performance wise, this Mustang GT is just as remarking as the pilot it’s honoring. Under the hood, a Roush TVS R2650 supercharger lends the 5.0 V8 an extra 250 hp, totaling to 710 hp with 610 ft. lbs. of torque. To make matters a lot faster, Roush also included a cold air induction system and X-pipe, married to a custom active exhaust system from Ford. To keep to the aerial theme, the exhaust tips are customized to mimic those that extended from the P-51 planes.
This isn’t the first time Ford’s shown interest in paving the way for American pilots. For 21 years Ford’s built 11 cars to be auctioned off with the intent of benefiting the pilot programs of Wittman Regional Airport – raising a collecting $3.5 million dollars to date. The most profitable car Ford’s made for the programs was in 2008 with $500,000 from a custom Mustang AV8R.
While the auction, called The Gathering, doesn’t happen until July 25th guests are able to sneak a peek at Col. Anderson’s tribute up until the 28th during the EAA Airventure show. The Airventure show attracts upwards of 600,000 enthusiasts annually, so the competition should be more than fierce. Especially since any interested parties are welcome to bid, either in person or online.
Photo: Ford Motor Company
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