The sixth-generation Ford Mustang was unveiled in December 2013 and went on sale for the 2015 model year. The redesigned pony car is a significant departure from its predecessor, being the first to feature an independent rear suspension, among many other modern features. The new Mustang is also the first that's sold globally, and the first to receive a right-hand drive version from the factory. Also, it’s the first Mustang since the third-generation car to feature a turbocharged, four-cylinder engine.

Much like its predecessor, the sixth-gen Mustang spawned many special-edition and higher-performance models in its first couple of years on the market. One such model is the "Ole Yeller." Created to benefit the Experimental Aircraft Association's youth education events, this is a one-off muscle car based on the Shelby GT350. The ninth aviation-inspired Mustang built by Ford for the EEA since 2008, the "Ole Yeller" pays homage to the P-51D Mustang aircraft with the same name. One of the most recognizable planes in the world, the "Ole Yeller" still holds the prop plane record for coast-to-coast travel at five hours and 20 minutes, set in 1985.

The unique GT350 is also a tribute to R. A. “Bob” Hoover, who is widely considered the founding father of modern aerobatics and thrilled airshow fans piloting “Ole Yeller” for more than 20 years. In 1997, Hoover sold "Ole Yeller," but the plane still flies frequently and is based at the Legacy Flight Museum in Rexburg, Idaho.

The "Ole Yeller" GT350 will be donated and sold via auction at the Gathering of Eagles charity event on July 28 at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2016. All proceeds will benefit EAA’s youth education programs, including the Young Eagles, which has provided free introductory flights to two million young people since 1992.

Continue reading to learn more about the Ford “Ole Yeller” Mustang Shelby GT350.

2016 Ford “Ole Yeller” Mustang Shelby GT350

Specifications
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  • Model: 2016 Ford “Ole Yeller” Mustang Shelby GT350
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What makes the Ford “Ole Yeller” Mustang Shelby GT350 special

Mostly a standard Shelby GT350 on the outside, the "Ole Yeller" wears a custom livery combining bright-yellow and gloss-black colors, with the former paying tribute to the Mustang plane the car is inspired from. The livery layout is unique to this model, with black adorning the pillars and edges of the roof, as well as the base on the windscreen, and the edges of the hood bulge. The other two important features that set it apart from a standard model are the custom wheels and the massive wing atop the trunk lid. The downforce-enhancing element is made from carbon-fiber and has green accents, just like the side mirrors. This color is also borrowed from the "Ole Yeller." Speaking of green, the coupe is also equipped with green lights underneath. The special badges on the front fenders and wheels are further hints that this is no regular Shelby GT350.

Inside, the "Ole Yeller" comes with custom Recaro seats, bespoke side sills, and floor mats with unique logos. The dashboard also features aviation-inspired gauges. The only official photos that shows a bit of the interior reveals that the coupe also has green ambient lighting.

Under the hood, the "Ole Yeller" is a standard Shelby GT350. This shouldn't be disappointing, though, as the muscle car is equipped with a 5.2-liter V-8, flat plane crank engine good for 526 horsepower and 429 pound-feet. These figures make the GT350 the most powerful, naturally aspirated Mustang ever created. All that oomph travels to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission and enables the coupe to hit 60 mph from a standing start in only 4.5 seconds. A specially tuned sport suspension keeps the GT350 on its best behavior on both the road and the track.

There is no estimate as to how much the "Ole Yeller" will fetch at the auction, but it's safe to assume it will attract bids in excess of $500,000.

Ford Mustang Shelby GT350

Read our full review on the Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 here.