Platinum Fighter Sales, a Redondo Beach, CA brokerage firm specializing in warbirds, have negotiated the sale of the historic Mk IIa P3351 Hurricane. The purchase means a long trek for the Hurricane, from its current home in New Zealand back to Europe.
The British fighter has been reborn several times over the course of its long and storied history. Originally a Mk I, it served in both the Battle of France and the Battle of Britain during World War II. After a crash near Prestwick, England on July 21, 1940, it was rebuilt as Mk IIa DR393 before being delivered to the U.S.S.R the following May. After another crash at Murmansk in 1943, its remains were brought back to the UK for restoration. The newly restored Hurricane was then acquired by the New Zealand Fighter Pilots Museum in Wanaka; its post-restoration inaugural flight taking place on January 12, 2000 at Christchurch.
Platinum is also listing Supermarine Spitfire F.18 SM969, which was built in 1945. It was operated by the Indian Air Force, then rebuilt by Doug Arnold in the mid-80s. Its resides with its current owner in Philadelphia. The asking price is $2.25 million.
Also being sold are Douglas A-26C Invader 44-35898 and a Howard DGA-15P. More information available at www.platinumfighters.com.
Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.
Is there any more about the Spitfires buried in indnesia ???
What a story.