A unique Ford Mustang inspired by the Apollo spaceflight program is expected to go like a rocket when it goes up for auction later this month in aid of the Experimental Aircraft Association's (EAA) youth education activities.

The car in question, dubbed the ‘Apollo Edition Mustang' started out life as a stock 5-liter V8, 435hp Mustang GT fastback.

But to ensure that the car feels more like it's leaving the Earth's atmosphere rather than another car for dead at the traffic lights, Ford has fitted the engine with a Ford Performance supercharger and shifter (for even more responsive gear changes) and the result is an extra 192hp. Thankfully the brakes have also been significantly upgraded to six-piston Brembo units that can be seen through the custom-made Forgiato 21-inch wheels.

As well as going like a rocket, the car also looks like one. It is finished in a unique gloss white and black exterior paint scheme to resemble the color combinations of the Apollo spacecraft.

The car also gets a carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser (welcome additions considering the extra power on tap) and similarly composite body accents. However, the most impressive and theatrical addition is under-body LED lighting that glows a flame yellow to mimic the appearance of atmospheric re-entry.

Inside, Ford has reworked the standard instrument cluster and customized the performance gauges and has added embroidered details to the seats, trim panels and the floor mats.

"The Apollo program delivered astonishing innovations in technology and achieved a national goal of landing the first human on the moon," said Edsel B. Ford II, a member of the Ford board of directors. "The entire program was extraordinary -- one of our nation's greatest technological achievements. With this year's stunning Apollo Edition Mustang, we salute that spirit of American ingenuity with the quintessential American automobile -- Ford Mustang."

The charity auction will be held on July 23 at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin and all proceeds will help to fund EAA youth education programs such as the Young Eagles which offers young people a free introductory flight as a way of identifying the aviators of tomorrow. Ford vehicles auctioned off at EAA events have raised close to $3 million in total, with some fetching as much as $500,000. Since 1992, 1.9 million people have benefited from the Young Eagles program.

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2015 runs July 20-26.
Source: Relaxnews