Ford is celebrating both the birthday of America and the birthday of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds aviation team with the Mustang Thunderbird edition. The one-off is based off of the 2014 Mustang GT and is designed to mimic the look of the F-16 Thunderbird. The one-off will be sold at the Gathering of the Eagles charity event held on August 1. The proceeds of the sale will go towards the EAA Young Eagles Program. The program provides free introductory flights to kids with the aim of getting them interested in becoming pilots.
The Mustang Thunderbird edition sports 22" wheels, a supercharger and a new body kit (to name a few of its mods). No word on how much the one-off is expected to go for, but it'll most likely be a pretty penny given its unique look and the fact that it's the only one of its kind.
Aviator-Inspired Muscle Cars
The Mustang Thunderbird Edition Pays Tribute to the U.S. Air Force
Trend Themes
1. Aviation-inspired Vehicles - Incorporating design elements from aviation into the automotive industry provides an opportunity for companies to create unique, high-end products that appeal to a niche market.
2. Charity Auctions - Hosting charity auctions for one-of-a-kind products provides an opportunity for companies to not only give back to a good cause, but also generate buzz and increase brand image.
3. Youth Pilot Programs - Investing in youth pilot programs can not only create future pilots, but also inspire a new generation of aviation and automotive enthusiasts.
Industry Implications
1. Automotive - Designing and producing aviation-inspired vehicles creates an opportunity for automotive companies to appeal to a niche market and stand out from competitors.
2. Charity/non-profit - Partnering with companies to host charity auctions and events can benefit non-profit organizations and generate positive PR for companies.
3. Aviation/flight Education - Investing in youth pilot programs can not only create future pilots, but also contribute to the growth and innovation of the aviation industry as a whole.