'Blue Angels' Mustang celebrates 100 years of naval aviation

Ford Motor Co. teamed with U.S. Naval Aviation to produce a single-edition "Blue Angels" 2012 Ford Mustang GT, to be auctioned in honor of the 100th anniversary of the Navy's air presence.

The design of the centennial-edition GT was inspired by the F-18 Hornet aircraft used in the Blue Angels aviation team's performance demonstrations. It will cross the auction block at the Gathering of Eagles charity event, held the week of the Experimental Aircraft Association's 2011 AirVenture on July 28 in Oshkosh, Wis.

Auction proceeds will go to the EAA Young Eagles organization to finance education for young pilots. The organization has offered free introductory flights to more than 1.6 million pilots-in-training since 1992.

The Blue Angels Mustang features a Ford Racing supercharged 5.0-liter V8 engine, rated at 624 hp, backed by a performance exhaust system, handling pack and upgraded brakes.

The exterior was custom-painted chrome blue with loud yellow accents used for the Blue Angels script and crest. For added effect, the Blue Angels script is illuminated in the sill plates, and puddle lamps project jet images when the door opens. Matching yellow stitching is used in the interior to outline the leather Recaro seats.

"The high interest among aviators in the U.S. Navy and the Blue Angels Mustang team will make this a very sought-after item," said Tom Poberezny, EAA president and AirVenture chairman, "and ensure EAA's ability to do some amazing things for our future aviation enthusiasts."

For more about the AirVenture event, visit its Web site, www.airventure.org/gathering.

By Michelle Koueiter