BUT, when you're talking about genuine early-series Thunderbolts with their high rear fuselage and glass-house canopy, the ones that went down in history as the 'Razorbacks', you're now talking about one of the rarest of all US-built WW-II fighters. Just three 'Razorbacks' are still flying today, making this serious WW-II combatant even rarer than the F-6F Hellcat!

This aircraft is a well known veteran of the Pacific Theatre which was force-landed largely undamaged into swampy ground in New Guinea in October 1943. It remained mostly untouched until the mid 1960s when efforts were made to bring it out. It ended up being recovered and shipped to New Zealand where it was mocked up for static display, later being traded to Australia. By the time restoration started, the aircraft was requiring substantial metal replacement to replace corroded areas from its time in the swamp in PNG.

Fast forward to today and this aircraft, one of the oldest remaining P-47s and the earliest survivor from the Pacific campaign, is now well along the way towards restoration. The fuselage has been structurally completed awaiting the final installation of controls, wiring etc., the tail group has been rebuilt, the engine mount has been rebuilt along with the windshield and canopy. The wings have been stripped and the components refurbished or replaced as required, ready for reassembly. The cowlings and many other aspects of the restoration are underway.

If you are looking for the opportunity to own one of the most significant, yet hardest to source WW-II fighters, then this might be what you're looking for. Please feel free to get in touch to learn more about it.

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