Ford Remembers The Eagle Squadrons of World War II With Custom Car Tribute

WESTLAND, Mich. – For many of us, World War II is an event that is part of a history that was long before any of us were born. It is something we read about in books or learn about in school. We never lived or experienced the events of the Pearl Harbor bombing in Hawaii or D-Day in France. These events did not shape or define our lives as they did for the generation that went through them. For those who lived through these events and fought in this war, their lives were not only shaped by these events but defined so deeply by them too. Many of those people still exist today and remember first-hand what it was like to go through these experiences. It is why Ford Motor Company has decided to pay tribute to the brave American fighter pilots who were part of the Royal Air Force during World War II.

These men were in squadrons that flew over Goodwood in the United Kingdom (UK) around 80 years ago during a war that changed the course of human history. Three Eagle Squadrons fought throughout the skies over northern Europe including France and the British coast with US volunteer pilots as some of those taking part. 2018 is the 20th year Ford has sponsored The Gathering during the EAA AirVenture. This year, alongside Vaughn Gittin Jr., a world champion drifter, Ford will be paying tribute to these heroes. This tribute will involve Gittin taking control of the one-off Eagle Squadron Mustang GT at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK on July 12. This vehicle, co-created by Gittin’s RTR Vehicles and Ford Performance, it is a Mustang GT, whose design is inspired by the fighter-aircraft in all of its camouflaged glory. It will eventually head back to The Gathering during the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh fly-in. This event, held on July 26, is in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, draws over 1,000 aviation enthusiasts every year. The vehicle will be auctioned off at The Gathering to help fund EAA’s education programs for youth. Ford has donated 11 custom-designed vehicles and helped garner over $3 million for the programs.

“Supporting young pilots through the EAA charity auction reflects Ford’s aviation history, tracing back to the company’s early days and the Arsenal of Democracy during WWII,” Ford Mustang Design Chief Darrell Behmer said. “The Eagle Squadron Mustang GT build with Vaughn and the Ford design team is a great way to honor our heroes and keep the spirit of aviation alive for the next generation of American pilots.”

The Eagle Squadron Mustang GT is a unique specimen in the motor vehicle department. Complete with a Ford Performance supercharger and a 700-horsepower 5.0-liter V8, it sports a Tactical Performance suspension package and an RTR carbon fiber wide-body kit. The highest bidder for this car will win a package for two people to attend the 2018 Ford Woodward Dream Cruise in Detroit, MI. The Dream Cruise takes place in August, where the winning bidder can take ownership of the car with an autographed plaque from the Ford design team and Gittin himself. Many other unique Ford car choices exist at North Brothers Ford. If you are looking for a particular model, we can help you explore all the different choices that might be suitable for you and your automotive needs.

North Brothers Ford is located at 33300 Ford Rd Westland, MI 48185 and proudly serves as one of the premier dealerships in Metro Detroit, and is committed to exceptional customer service! Stop by or give us a call at 855-739-2023, our knowledgeable and helpful sales team will be more than happy to assist you!