In production since 1964, Ford’s sporty Mustang remains today the longest-running American nameplate. Capturing the spirit of adventure and honoring the legendary wild American horse and the famous Ford model, this 2008 Ford Mustang Roush P-51A honors the heroes of the 357th Fighter Group of the U.S. Army Air Force. Flying 313 combat missions between February 11, 1944, and April 25, 1945, the 357th is officially recognized by the U.S. Air Force as having destroyed 595.5 German airplanes in air-to-air combat and another 106.5 enemy aircraft on the ground. Among the distinguished combat records of the 357th, it is the most successful of all P-51-equipped fighter groups in the “Mighty” Eighth Air Force and the entire European Theater of Operations, with 42 Aces in its ranks. It is no surprise, then, that famed engineer and racer Jack Roush would choose the red and yellow checkered livery of the 357th Fighter Group to adorn his own P-51 Mustang aircraft, restored and finished in the unforgettable colors of one of the 357th Fighter Group’s top aces, Clarence “Bud” Anderson and his trusty P-51 Mustang, nicknamed “Old Crow.” In a fitting tribute to the members of the 357th, Roush also used the unit’s colors for the badging on his heavily upgraded, high-performance Ford Mustang P-51A. Just 151 were produced, and this one-owner example is now offered with just 2,181 miles showing on the odometer. A supercharged 4.6L V-8 engine, rated at 510 HP and 510 lb-ft of torque, is paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. Finished in Vapor Metallic with an olive green stripe, this Roush P-51A is a sight to behold. It is also an engineering tour de force with its engine featuring a chrome powder-coated ROUSHcharger supercharger, plus forged aluminum pistons, forged steel H-beam connecting rods, a forged steel crankshaft, upgraded intake manifold, intercooler, upgraded radiator and a cold-air induction system. Supporting features include an aluminum flywheel, upgraded clutch, unique fuel rail and high-flow injectors, dual 60mm throttle bodies, Roush-calibrated ECM and Roush off-road exhaust. Upgraded underpinnings include 6-piston Roush front disc brakes and the Roush Stage 3 suspension system. External enhancements include the Roush aero package including the front and rear fascias, chin spoiler, hood scoop, quarter window louvers, rear wing, high-flow front grille and lower valance fog lights. The interior features sport leather seating with suede inserts, a white electro-luminescent gauge cluster and amenities including air conditioning, power windows, power locks, cruise control and the Shaker 500 audio system with 6-disc changer. In addition to an extra key, this P-51A is documented by the original sales invoice, Ford and Roush window stickers and an owner’s manual. Rolling on forged chrome 18-inch five-spoke wheels with locking lug nuts, this Roush P-51A Mustang is an ideal way to celebrate the wildly successful Mustangs of the air and the road.
