Ford creates custom Mustang Mach-e for EAA charity auction honoring WWII female pilots

Ford and other automakers have a history of creating custom vehicles to be auctioned for charity. Ford has been working with the EAA (The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), based in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, that embodies The Spirit of Aviation through the world’s most engaged community of aviation enthusiasts. EAA’s 220,000 members and 900 local chapters enjoy the fun and camaraderie of sharing their passion for flying, building and restoring recreational aircraft.) for some time with the proceeds to further aviation and access to aviation by under-served communities. This year is the first all-electric custom from Ford that started life as a silver Mustang Mach-e Premium with numerous upgrades to honor the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) and to recognize their service during World War II. The WASP pilots flew aircraft to bases from their production sites. Unlike today, during WWII women could not see combat or join the regular military so they set up a support group to deliver planes where they were needed. Thirty-eight of these women made the ultimate sacrifice during their war service (hence the number 38 in the design). The Mach-e design echoes the plane above with matte black and yellow accents inside and out. Service organization and military badges complete the ornamentation. If you want to drive something different and possibly get a tax break while doing it,  contact the EAA for bidding information on the Women Airforce Service Pilots 2021 Mustang Mach-E or call 920.426.6573 or email gathering@EAA.org. Click on "read more" below to see additional pics and the media release with links.

Source: Ford - Media release, pics

Media Release:

FORD HONORS WOMEN AIRFORCE SERVICE PILOTS WITH CUSTOM 2021 MUSTANG MACH-E AT AIRVENTURE CHARITY AUCTION

In honor of the humble sacrifices of the Women Airforce Service Pilots, Ford today is announcing a one-of-one custom 2021 Mustang Mach-E inspired by the volunteer female pilots and the planes they piloted during World War II. It will be auctioned at the 2021 Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) AirVenture air show on Thursday in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

Proceeds from the auction will support EAA’s initiative to provide young women and underserved youths more access to a career in the aviation industry. Ford has supported AirVenture for more than two decades and has donated 12 custom, aviation-themed performance vehicles, raising a total of more than $4 million. This is the first time Ford has donated an all-electric vehicle.

“It was hard not to get a little teary-eyed as we put the finishing touches on this vehicle,” said Kristen Keenan, Ford designer who worked on the project. “I have never worked on a memorial project before. Commemorating this group of women through the vehicle design was an honor.”

Designed by Ford, this special Mustang Mach-E features a custom paint scheme with military badging inspired by the war planes flown by volunteers. The Women Airforce Service Pilots flew almost every type of military plane in World War II as each rolled off factory floors across America. Badges include the U.S. Army Airforce Star on both sides, wings logo on hood and fender, and the No. 38 on the front fascia, rear bumper, and inside the cabin to honor the 38 volunteers who died in service to their country.

“Ford is helping build the next generation of aviation through their support of EAA, AirVenture and The Gathering,” said Jack J. Pelton, EAA CEO and Chairman of the Board. “This project not only will be a highlight of The Gathering, its impact will help EAA reach young adults who are pursuing their own dreams of flight.”

The Women Airforce Service Pilots were a group of American volunteer pilots who were tasked with transporting war planes to U.S. Army bases around the world to be used in combat. These women flew more than 60 million miles in WWII. Despite their sacrifice, they were not immediately recognized as active military personnel until 1977 when the pilots were granted retroactive military status.

This is not the first time that Ford has donated a custom designed Mustang to support EAA’s educational programs. Past custom builds include the 2019 “Old Crow” Mustang GT, 2018 Eagle Squadron Mustang, 2016 “Ole Yeller” Mustang and 2015 Mustang Apollo Edition.

For bidding information on the Women Airforce Service Pilots 2021 Mustang Mach-E, call 920.426.6573 or email gathering@EAA.org.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, that is committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams. The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for and deepen the loyalty of those customers. Ford designs, manufactures, markets and services a full line of connected, increasingly electrified passenger and commercial vehicles: Ford trucks, utility vehicles, vans and cars, and Lincoln luxury vehicles. The company is pursuing leadership positions in electrification, connected vehicle services and mobility solutions, including self-driving technology, and provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. Ford employs about 182,000 people worldwide. More information about the company, its products and Ford Motor Credit Company is available at 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 220,000 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 eaa.org.