This is a pretty cool combination: modern-day Mustang sports car meets World War II fighter plane. The result: an aviation-inspired muscle coupe--which sold for $500,000 at a charity auction on Thursday, July 31.

Ford designed the one-off car, called the AV8R Mustang, with a mix of Shelby and Bullitt styling cues, and dressed it in fighter plan livery.

It was built specially for the auction at this year's Experimental Aircraft Association AirVenture Oshkosh in Wisconsin, which is billed as the world's largest aviation event. The money will help fund scholarships for young people interested in aviation careers.




The AV8R (say it phonetically, and you'll get the aircraft connection) is powered by a supercharged 4.6-liter V8 that makes 400 hp. The car is fitted with Ford Racing's handling pack, which includes dampers, lowering springs an antiroll-bar kit and strut tower brace; Shelby GT500 wheels, and a Bullitt grille and shift knob.

The exterior gives off a fighter-plane feel, with sliver and black paint, red accents and an Air Force star on the top. The roof is glass, a new option for Mustangs this year. Inside, there are bomber jacket-styled leather inserts.

The AV8R helps bring the Mustang full circle. The car is celebrating its 45th anniversary this year and was originally named after the P-51 Mustang fighter plane, which served as a bomber escort in World War II.

As if fighter planes and sports cars aren't enough, several celebrities signed the AV8R, including Harrison Ford, Carroll Shelby, Edsel Ford II and Jack Roush.

The Oshkosh event runs through Sunday, Aug. 3, and draws more than 500,000 people and 10,000 aircraft.