What Is the SR-71 Mustang?

Aviation and the Ford Mustang have been a popular combination over the years. In 2010, Ford continued its support of the Experimental Aircraft Association AirVenture Oshkosh event by auctioning off a specially built SR-71 Mustang. The event, which is held each year in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, is billed as the world’s greatest aviation celebration. The aircraft-themed design of this high-performance Mustang was based on the legendary Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird reconnaissance plane that served the United States Air Force from 1964 to 1998. The “SR” holds a dual meaning, as it also represents the collaboration between iconic performance car designers Carroll Shelby and John Roush that produced this one-of-a-kind Mustang.

SR-71 Features

The SR-71 Mustang offered the same distinctive black and gray exterior paint scheme and markings that appeared on the Lockheed Blackbird, along with an innovative screen print glass roof design. Other exterior features included performance wheels, stylish front, and rear fascias, and a uniquely integrated spoiler/wing that enhanced the vehicle's aircraft theme. The vehicle also featured a cockpit-like two-seat interior highlighted by signatures from Shelby and Roush embroidered into the seats.

The SR-71 Mustang didn’t disappoint when it came to power and performance. The vehicle was equipped with a muscular 5.0L, 32-valve V-8 engine. Ford Racing modifications that included a custom-designed handling pack, supercharger, and exhaust system resulted in an additional 100 horsepower.

The SR-71 Mustang Fetched $375K at Auction

The SR-71 Mustang sold for $375,000 at the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh Gathering of Eagles event, eclipsing the $250,000 sale price of the AV-X10 Dearborn Doll Mustang from the previous year. When combined with the $500,000 brought in by a Mustang AV8R in 2008, the three vehicles were able to raise an impressive $1,125,000 for the EAA Young Eagles organization over a three-year period.

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