WASHINGTON: Ford salutes the US Apollo space flight programme with a one-of-a-kind Mustang that’ll be going under the hammer and the proceeds going to the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) youth education programme, including the Young Eagles.

Ford’s design and engineering teams has transformed a 5.0-litre 2015 fastback Ford Mustang GT by gifting it with a glossy pure white and pure black non-production paint scheme that connects with the NASA Apollo space programme.

It features Carbon 2 Carbon’s carbon fibre parts that includes a front splitter, rear diffuser, rocker mouldings, accent treatments and LED underbody lighting from Rigid Industries to symbolize an atmospheric re-entry.

Modified by MAD Industries, the list of performance enhancements include a Ford Performance supercharger and shifter as well as a Gibson performance exhaust cross-pipe with side and rear exhaust for its launch-ready 622bhp and 732Nm of torque.

And, it also includes a sport-tuned suspension with Eibach Springs, six-piston Brembo brakes paired with APR performance disc brakes and custom Forgiato 21-inch performance wheels with Pirelli tyres.

The Apollo rocket theme carries into the cabin, which includes performance gauges, a modified instrument cluster, unique sill plates and embroidered elements in seats, trim panels and floor mats.

This one-off Mustang marks the eighth consecutive annual one-off creation by Ford and has raised almost US$3mil (RM11.6mil) for the programme to date.

The aviation-inspired Mustang Apollo Edition will be donated and auctioned on July 23, at the Gathering of Eagles charity event at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

The programme has provided free introductory flights to more than 1.9mil young people since 1992 in an effort to help grow the next generation of aviators.

The Apollo Edition joins seven other one-off aviation-inspired Mustangs since 2008 and consists of the AV8R (inspired by the F-22 Raptor), AV-X10 “Dearborn Doll”, SR-71 Blackbird, Blue Angels, Red Tails, U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds Edition and the F-35 Lightning Edition II.

“With this year’s stunning Apollo Edition Mustang, we salute that spirit of American ingenuity with the quintessential American automobile – Ford Mustang,” said Ford member of the board Edsel B. Ford II.

“With its eighth Mustang donation, Ford continues to excite with its specialty vehicles, which reflect the depth of the company’s commitment and which allow EAA to provide support to its valuable programs and dedicated members in helping us grow the next generation of aviators,” he added.

The Apollo Edition Mustang will be proudly displayed at the Ford hangar at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2015.

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