What Is the USAF Thunderbirds Edition Mustang?
Last Updated August 8, 2023 | C.J. Tragakis
The USAF Thunderbirds Mustang is a 2014 model year, one-of-a-kind Mustang designed to be one of the annual auction cars that EAA AirVenture has customized each year to support their Young Eagles program. This special vehicle is named and designed to honor the United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, an aerobatic team known as the Thunderbirds that tours the U.S. and the world as “America’s Ambassadors in Blue.” Their F-16 jets wear a very sharp livery, using a white body with blue and red trim. This design served as the inspiration for the Thunderbirds Mustang, and it’s hard to deny that the Ford pony car wears it well.
Thunderbirds Mustang Visual Upgrades
A custom body kit and unique rear wing give the Thunderbirds Mustang an appropriately aggressive appearance. You’ll also notice the massive 22-inch Forgiato Maglia wheels, which feature an interesting V-spoke pattern. Even the belly pan is custom-painted to mimic the underbody of an F-16, with a unique thunderbird emblem.
Inside, the glass panorama roof helps to better invoke the style of a jet’s cockpit. The Recaro seats will help two occupants feel nice and snug, and they’re custom-stitched with the Thunderbirds logo. A Ford Racing rear seat delete with a crossbar saves weight and adds more rigidity. Small touches like a new instrument cluster and aircraft silhouette puddle lamps further add to the style of this car.
Thunderbirds Mustang Performance Upgrades
Under the hood, a Ford Racing supercharger helps supply even more power, bringing total output to 624 hp. A Ford Racing handling pack and Brembo brakes (like those from the GT500) are there to help get the power down to the road effectively and provide superior stopping distances.
When sold at auction, this one-of-a-kind Mustang’s price soared to an incredible $398,000. That’s not enough to make the top 10 list of Mustang sales or even the highest-priced aviation series Mustang; however, it’s still a ton of money going to a great cause. The proceeds went to the Young Eagles organization, a program that educates kids about aviation while taking them on flight experiences and getting them excited about related careers. This has been the aim of the fundraiser for each of the aviation-themed Mustangs that are auctioned on an annual basis.
Sources: Ford Unveils USAF Thunderbirds Edition Mustang for Charity, Road and Track | U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds Edition Mustang Sells for $398K, Motor Authority
Image Credits: Road & Track | Motor Authority | Mustangs Daily
