This remarkable 1945 North American P-51D Mustang, widely regarded as one of the most successful fighter aircraft of the Second World War, is currently available for sale, showing just 231 hours since a comprehensive restoration. For enthusiasts and collectors interested in Ww2 Fighter Aircraft For Sale, this presents a rare opportunity to acquire a piece of aviation history in airworthy condition. Famous owners like Tom Cruise pilot these legendary planes, which continue to feature prominently in airshows and competitive air racing circuits today.
Fast Facts – The North American P-51D Mustang
- The North American P-51 Mustang’s journey began with a British request in 1940. Initially powered by Allison engines, its high-altitude performance saw a dramatic improvement with the introduction of the Rolls-Royce Merlin engine, leading to the Packard-built Merlin-powered P-51D variant, capable of reaching 437 mph at 25,000 feet.
- The Mustang’s pioneering laminar flow wing design significantly reduced drag, enhancing speed and maneuverability. Its impressive operational range of 1,650 miles (with external tanks) made it the perfect escort for Allied bombers venturing deep into enemy territory, drastically cutting bomber losses and achieving the highest kill count among Allied fighters in the European Theater.
- After the war, the P-51D primarily served in ground attack roles during the Korean War as the jet age dawned. Civilian surplus Mustangs became popular in air racing, aerobatics, and airshows. Today, around 150 remain airworthy, owned by notable figures like Tom Cruise and regularly seen at events such as the Reno Air Races.
- The specific 1945 Mustang featured here boasts a meticulous restoration, finished in a custom white Learjet paint scheme. Its cockpit blends updated Garmin avionics with original gauges, complemented by a leather interior and auxiliary fuel tanks. Powered by a recently overhauled Packard Merlin V12 engine, it is listed for sale by Platinum Fighter Sales with an asking price of $3,250,000 USD.
fighter aircraft for sale
The P-51D Mustang: Born From a British Need
The development of the legendary Mustang traces back to early 1940. A British Purchasing Commission approached North American Aviation (NAA) seeking a license-built version of the Curtiss P-40 fighter. NAA, however, proposed an ambitious alternative: designing an entirely new, superior fighter from scratch. This bold initiative resulted in the NA-73X prototype.
Remarkably, the NA-73X prototype went from initial concept to completion in a mere 117 days – an astonishingly short timeframe for aircraft design, even by modern standards. Early Mustang models, designated Mustang Mk I in British service, were equipped with Allison V-1710 V12 engines. While these engines delivered excellent performance at low altitudes, their single-stage supercharger limited high-altitude capabilities, causing a significant drop in power above 15,000 feet.
A Game-Changing Engine Swap with Rolls-Royce
Recognizing the Mustang’s performance limitations at higher altitudes, British engineers conducted a pivotal experiment: fitting a Rolls-Royce Merlin engine into a Mustang airframe. The Merlin engine, already proven in the iconic Spitfire and Hurricane, dramatically transformed the Mustang’s high-altitude performance. This improvement was largely thanks to the sophisticated two-speed, two-stage, intercooled supercharger, a design pioneered by Rolls-Royce engineer Stanley Hooker.
While both the Merlin and Allison engines produced similar power outputs near sea level (approximately 1,500 bhp depending on the variant), the Merlin maintained nearly 1,400 bhp at 23,500 feet. In stark contrast, the Allison engine’s output fell to just 1,150 bhp at half that altitude. This disparity made the Merlin the clear choice for high-altitude combat.
Following the success of the British trials, the U.S. Army Air Forces authorized North American Aviation to begin production of the Mustang, powered by Merlin engines built under license by Packard in the United States. This crucial modification gave rise to the P-51D variant, which became the most numerous and arguably the most effective version of the Mustang.
Interestingly, historical accounts suggest that the Packard-built Merlin engines may have slightly surpassed the original Rolls-Royce units in some aspects. This was potentially due to the challenges faced by the British production lines, which were operating under regular bombardment and with less sophisticated machining tools compared to the resources available to Packard across the Atlantic.
Beautiful North American P-51D Mustang with laminar flow wing design
The P-51D was powered by the Packard V-1650-7 Merlin engine, capable of generating 1,490 bhp. This immense power allowed the aircraft to achieve speeds up to 437 mph at an altitude of 25,000 feet, significantly outperforming its predecessors. Its extended operational range, up to 1,650 miles with external drop tanks, provided the crucial ability to escort Allied bombers from bases in England deep into Germany and back. This capability was instrumental in drastically reducing bomber crew losses and establishing air superiority over Europe.
Innovative Design: The Unusual Laminar Flow Wing
A key factor in the Mustang’s superior performance was its cutting-edge aerodynamics, including a revolutionary laminar flow wing design. This advanced design, developed through collaboration between North American Aviation (NAA) and the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA – the precursor to NASA), significantly reduced drag, boosting both speed and maneuverability.
The P-51D also introduced a bubble canopy, offering pilots vastly improved visibility – a critical advantage during dogfights and a feature that would soon become standard on future jet fighters. For firepower, the P-51D was typically armed with six .50 caliber Browning machine guns, three mounted in each wing, delivering a formidable punch that countless Luftwaffe pilots experienced firsthand.
Operationally, the P-51D was extensively utilized by the Eighth Air Force operating from England. Their primary mission was to escort formations of B-17 Flying Fortress and B-24 Liberator bombers on daylight strategic bombing raids. The large-scale deployment of Mustangs in early 1944 marked a turning point in the air war, drastically cutting the previously high losses among bomber crews. Notably, Mustang pilots achieved the highest number of enemy aircraft shot down by any Allied fighter in the European Theater.
The P-51D also saw significant action in the Pacific theater during the later stages of the war. It proved highly effective in the fighter-bomber role, undertaking ground attack missions against enemy airfields, railway lines, and shipping targets. Its robust construction and proven reliability quickly made the Mustang a favorite among pilots in the Pacific, mirroring its status in Europe.
Restored P-51D Mustang cockpit with updated avionics and original gauges
The Mustang’s Legacy After World War II
Following the conclusion of World War II, the P-51D continued its service into the Korean War. However, with the advent of jet propulsion dominating air combat, the Mustang was increasingly assigned ground attack and reconnaissance duties.
Beyond its distinguished military career, the Mustang has carved out a lasting legacy in civilian aviation. A large number of surplus P-51Ds were sold off after the war, finding new lives as racing aircraft, private sport flying planes, and meticulously restored historical artifacts. Modified WWII-era Mustangs are staples of air racing events like the Reno Air Races, where they have secured countless victories over the decades. Comparing classic and modern designs can be fascinating, looking at the development of latest fighter aircraft in the world.
The Mustang was produced in impressive numbers, with approximately 8,000 P-51D variants alone manufactured out of over 15,000 Mustangs across all models produced throughout the war. Today, an estimated 150 P-51Ds remain airworthy globally, predominantly located in the United States, but with notable examples also flying in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. Comparing their historical development to new programs, such as india new fighter aircraft, highlights the vast changes in aviation technology.
Packard Merlin V12 engine of the restored P-51D Mustang
The Featured 1945 North American P-51D Mustang
The specific aircraft showcased here is a beautifully restored 1945 North American P-51D Mustang. It features a distinctive custom white paint scheme, originally applied by Learjet. Further enhancements include a bespoke leather interior, a sleek one-piece windshield, a tinted bubble canopy, and auxiliary fuel tanks integrated into the wings, adding an extra 300 gallons to its total fuel capacity. Comparing the technology and design of such historical aircraft to modern concepts like the f 21 fighter aircraft shows the incredible progress in aerospace engineering.
Side view of the 1945 P-51D Mustang in custom white Learjet paint scheme
Inside the cockpit, modernity meets history. It is equipped with Garmin navigation avionics for contemporary flight standards, while crucially retaining all of the original “steam gauges” to preserve its authentic wartime appearance. Powering this magnificent machine is a Packard Merlin V12 engine, which has accumulated just 175 hours since its last comprehensive overhaul. It is fitted with a Hamilton Standard 24D50 propeller featuring classic paddle blades.
Nose and propeller of the classic ww2 fighter aircraft for sale
This exceptional aircraft is currently being offered for fighter aircraft cost comparison and ultimately for sale through Platinum Fighter Sales with an asking price of $3,250,000 USD. This price reflects the aircraft’s historical significance, rarity, the quality of its restoration, and its airworthy condition.
Front view of restored North American P-51D Mustang on the tarmac
Conclusion
The 1945 North American P-51D Mustang remains one of the most celebrated and iconic aircraft of World War II. Its revolutionary design, powered by the mighty Merlin engine, transformed aerial combat and secured its place in history. The beautifully restored example featured here represents a rare opportunity to own a highly sought-after piece of aviation heritage. With its meticulous restoration, modern amenities blended with historical accuracy, and low hours since overhaul, this P-51D is ready for its next chapter, whether in airshows, private flying, or adding to a significant collection of Ww2 Fighter Aircraft For Sale.
If you are interested in acquiring this historic warbird or wish to learn more, further details and purchasing inquiries can be made via the listing provided by Platinum Fighter Sales.
Image Source: Images courtesy of Platinum Fighter Sales
Author: Ben Branch (Senior Editor)
