SR-71 Mustang Sold for $375,000

The first ever joint effort by American builders Jack Roush and Carroll Shelby, the SR-71 Mustang, didn't quite manage to sell for the targeted sum of $500,000, but came close enough. Following yesterday's auction at the Experimental Aircraft Association's AirVenture show in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, the two builders managed to get $375,000 for it from an unnamed buyer.

As already announced, the money are to go to support the EAA Young Eagles, a nonprofit organization which provides educational flights for children. EAA has been over the years the recipient of Ford's unique auction vehicles, with the money raised by such events in the last 15 years being donated.

Even if already bought, the car will remain on display at the Ford tent through Sunday at the AirVenture show.

Built in honor of the SR-71 Blackbird long-range reconnaissance airplane, the vehicle also stands for the names of the two automotive icons: “S” for Shelby, “R” for Roush. It features several elements which make it unique amidst other Mustangs.

Under the hood, the SR-71 Mustang packs an all-new aluminum block 5.0l Ti-VCT V8 engine, tuned with a 2.3l Whipple Twin Screw Supercharger with Ford Racing calibration and Roush intake. Other mechanical upgrades include Ford Racing Handling Pack, Ford Racing tuned exhaust and tips and SVT Track Pack wheels.

Based on the 2011 Mustang, the car comes with wrapped non-production matte and silver exterior paint treatment with SR-71 cues. It also features a roll cage, modified navigation screen and instrument cluster and a cockpit feel of the interior, achieved by removing the rear seat.