- Aircraft-inspired Ford Mustang to debut at Goodwood Festival of Speed 2018
- Eagle Squadron Mustang GT pays tribute to American fighter pilots who served in the RAF during World War II and were based near Goodwood
- World champion drifter Vaughn Gittin Jr. to pilot 700bhp Mustang GT up hillclimb
- FoS Future Lab open throughout Festival of Speed, from 12 – 15 July 2018, 7am – 7pm each day
A special edition Ford Mustang GT paying tribute to US fighter pilots who served in the RAF during World War II will debut at Goodwood Festival of Speed 2018, presented by Mastercard.
The one-of-a-kind Mustang GT takes inspiration from the RAF Eagle Squadrons that flew over the fields of Goodwood nearly 80 years ago.
The Squadrons included a diverse group of American volunteer pilots who risked their lives fighting in the skies over northern Europe, including the British coast and France before the US entered the war.
The Eagle Squadron Mustang GT will be piloted up the hill by world champion drifter Vaughn Gittin Jr. on Thursday 12 July before being on static display throughout the rest of the Festival.
Co-created by Ford Performance and Gittin’s RTR Vehicles, it features a 700bhp 5.0-litre V8 engine with a Ford Performance supercharger, RTR carbon fiber wide-body kit and Tactical Performance suspension package.
After its world debut at the Festival of Speed, the Mustang will head to the Experimental Aircraft Association’s largest fundraiser, The Gathering, held on July 26 during EAA’s AirVenture event in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. AirVenture draws more than 500,000 aviation enthusiasts annually and the car will be auctioned off at The Gathering to support the EAA’s youth education programmes. The auction is also open to global bidders.
The Duke of Richmond and Gordon, founder of Goodwood Festival of Speed said: “We are honoured to have the Eagle Squadron Mustang GT making its debut at Goodwood. The car was inspired by the American volunteer pilots who fought with the RAF in World War II, while Goodwood’s RAF Westhampnett hosted US Airforce squadrons too, so it is completely appropriate to have the car here in this, our Silver Jubilee year, while the RAF celebrates its centenary.”
The Festival is renowned for attracting the rarest and most exciting road and race cars and bikes ever created. The 2018 running of the event will be no different as it marks its Silver Jubilee having been staged every summer since 1993.
The FoS Future Lab will also be open again this year, focusing on space exploration, autonomous transport, robotics and personal flight. Visitors will be able to view displays and demonstrations, interact with some of the technology for themselves and learn more about these exciting innovations.
FoS Future Lab will be open to the public throughout the Goodwood Festival of Speed, which runs from the 12 – 15 July 2018, 7am – 7pm each day.
Hospitality packages are available throughout the weekend. To buy tickets or enquire about hospitality visit Goodwood.com or call the Goodwood Ticket Office on 01243 755 055.
(ENDS)
EDITORS’ NOTES:
Staged every summer since 1993, the Goodwood Festival of Speed presented by MasterCard is the world’s largest automotive garden party; set against the spectacular backdrop of Goodwood House in West Sussex, UK. Over 600 cars and motorcycles spanning the phenomenal history of motoring and motor sport take part with some of the most legendary figures from the sport as well as international celebrities regularly attending. Highlights will include the Moving Motor Show, Forest Rally Stage, Michelin Supercar Paddock, Michelin Supercar Run, F1 paddock, Drivers’ Club, GAS Arena, Cartier Style et Luxe Concours d’Elegance, Aviation Exhibition and Bonhams Auction.
For all Media enquiries, please contact Laura Gilbert-Burke or Abbie Hansford at the Goodwood Motor Sport Press Office:
Telephone: +44 (0)1243 755000
E-mail: laura.gilbert-burke@goodwood.com or abbie.hansford@goodwood.com
About Mastercard
Mastercard (NYSE: MA), www.mastercard.com,is a technology company in the global payments industry. We operate the world’s fastest payments processing network, connecting consumers, financial institutions, merchants, governments and businesses in more than 210 countries and territories. Mastercard’s products and solutions make everyday commerce activities – such as shopping, traveling, running a business and managing finances – easier, more secure and more efficient for everyone. Follow us on Twitter @MastercardUKBiz, join the discussion on the Cashless Pioneers Blog and subscribe for the latest news on the Engagement Bureau.
Or Emma Fahy at the Mastercard Press Office:
Email: emma.fahy@mastercard.com
Telephone: +44 (0)7580 790 297
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About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan. The company designs, manufactures, markets and services a full line of Ford cars, trucks, SUVs, electrified vehicles and Lincoln luxury vehicles, provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company and is pursuing leadership positions in electrification, autonomous vehicles and mobility solutions. Ford employs approximately 202,000 people worldwide. For more information regarding Ford, its products and Ford Motor Credit Company, please visit www.corporate.ford.com.
About EAA
The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), based in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, embodies The Spirit of Aviation through the world’s most engaged community of aviation enthusiasts. EAA’s 210,000 members and 900 local chapters enjoy the fun and camaraderie of sharing their passion for flying, building and restoring recreational aircraft. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 800-JOIN-EAA (800-564-6322) or go to www.eaa.org.
