DEARBORN, Mich., July 31, 2009 – Ford Motor Company’s one-off aviation-themed vehicle, the Mustang AV-X10 “Dearborn Doll,” sold for $250,000 Thursday evening at the Gathering of Eagles charity auction, part of the 2009 Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) AirVenture Oshkosh gathering, the world’s greatest aviation celebration. The vehicle was purchased by Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., resident Tom Gonzales.
Ford, the exclusive automotive partner of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, built the Mustang AV-X10 specifically for the EAA Gathering of Eagles. Proceeds from the sale will support EAA’s Young Eagles, which provides youth education and inspirational experiences that prepare young people to become the engineers, pilots and innovators of tomorrow. The Young Eagles organization has provided free introductory flights to nearly 1.3 million young people since 1992, while also teaching the value of hard work, personal responsibility and enhanced math and science skills.
“Ford Motor Company’s commitment to AirVenture through the last decade has helped EAA create a celebration of flight here in Oshkosh that is unmatched anywhere else in the world,” said EAA President and CEO Tom Poberezny. “The hard work of the Mustang AV-X10 team and Ford’s generosity in donating this beautiful vehicle to the Gathering of Eagles is further evidence of the company’s commitment to EAA, its members and to aspiring engineers and pilots everywhere.”
The name Mustang AV-X10 is trademarked by Ford Motor Company and symbolizes an AirVenture Xperimental project vehicle based on a 2010 Ford Mustang. The “10” designation represents the model year of the Mustang, plus the 10-millionth engine from the Romeo Engine Plant in Romeo, Mich. The one-of-a-kind, fully-customized vehicle was created by a dedicated Ford team, including Mustang Chief Designer Darrell Behmer, Design Manager George Saridakis and Mustang Chief Nameplate Engineer Dave Pericak, and Senior Designers Robert Gelardi and Garen Nicoghosian.
“The response to the Mustang AV-X10 has been remarkable,” said Edsel B. Ford II, a member of Ford’s Board of Directors. “The Ford team was committed to delivering an extraordinary vehicle to EAA’s Gathering of Eagles to support the education and experiences the Young Eagles make possible for tomorrow’s aviation leaders. We are pleased to see the hard work of the team generate significant funding for this tremendous youth organization.”
The Mustang AV-X10 "Dearborn Doll" is Build #1 of 1 and a collector’s dream vehicle. The AV-X10 is based on a 2010 Mustang GT with the glass roof option. Ford Racing performance modifications (Supercharger, Handling Pack, tuned exhaust, and exhaust tips) help generate 550-horsepower from the aluminum block 4.6L 24-valve engine. The Ford Handling Pack optimizes the performance experience and lowers the ride height by 1-inch.
AV-X10’s stunning design theme includes exclusive Satin Silver exterior paint with yellow nose cone and rear wing, 19" Shelby GT500 wheels in liquid silver with yellow propeller tips, and white gloss accents emphasize the connection to the P-51 Mustang aircraft of WWII fame and other aircraft from this era. The “Dearborn Doll” nickname is displayed on the front quarter panels using pin-up graphics to enhance the authentic connection to the WWII era fighter planes. The all-glass roof includes a unique Air Force Star and Bar graphic treatment. The aviation inspired interior includes Bader “worn” leather, military khaki-shaded, diamond tucked unique seat and door inserts. Ford Racing Pyrometer, Boost, and Fuel Pressure gauges, plus unique "Ground Speed" and AV-X10 cluster graphics complete the package.
About EAA AirVenture Oshkosh
The annual meeting of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), EAA AirVenture features more than 10,000 aircraft, including homebuilts, antiques, classics, warbirds, ultralights and rotorcraft, and is expected to attract more than 500,000 aviation enthusiasts. During the week, nearly 1,000 forums are conducted by aviation leaders, NASA researchers, along with FAA personnel, aircraft designers and a host of others. For more information, please visit www.AirVenture.org.About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With about 228,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company’s core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo and Mazda. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.ford.com.
