2009 Mustang X-1: A Custom Car Fit For a US Air Force Pilot
Originally built as a recruiting tool, this wild Mustang now spends its days in a museum.
These days, getting young people to enlist in the military is no easy task. Back in 2009, the United States Air Force decided to address this issue in a very unusual way.
What did they do? They built a custom Air Force-themed Ford Mustang. This wasn’t your average custom car, though. This Mustang’s interior featured a fighter jet-style cockpit, with controls borrowed from an F-16.
Named for the famous Bell X-1 experimental plane, the Mustang X-1 served with distinction. As recruiting tools go, it doesn’t get much better.
Hot Cars compiled a list of facts about this incredible custom Mustang. Unlike most custom cars, this one doesn’t reside in a private collection — after all, it’s unlikely that the Air Force would want any of that fighter-jet technology in the hands of just anyone.
The Mustang X-1 now resides at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. You can visit it at any time — along with awesome aircraft like the lone surviving XB-70 Valkyrie.
One of a Kind
The Mustang X-1 was built by Galpin Auto Sports, famous for MTV’s Pimp My Ride. The car was designed with help from real active duty Air Force personnel. As stated before, its interior was converted to resemble a fighter cockpit.
This is more than just a conversation, piece, though. This custom Mustang can actually be driven, and there’s a modified 4.6 liter 3-valve modular V8 under the hood, good for 500 horsepower.
Top speed is listed at 178 miles per hour. That’s not exactly supersonic, but pretty good for something that can’t actually fly!
Despite the wild interior, the Mustang X-1 contains some other interesting features. For one, the widebody kit isn’t just for show. Those wide fenders provide clearance for enormous 14-inch wide wheels. The dynamic scissor doors add to the Mustang X-1’s fighter jet look and feel.
For over a decade, the Mustang X-1 wowed audiences wherever it went. Now that it’s on display in the museum, it should continue to inspire for years to come.
Photos: Hot Cars
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