The P-51D Mustang underwent a complete restoration from 2007 to 2012. The restoration was managed by Jeff Harris at Allied Fighters in Chino, California with Mike Breshears of Vintage Airframes in Caldwell, ID doing a majority of the work.
The P-51D Mustang underwent a complete restoration from 2007 to 2012. The restoration was managed by Jeff Harris at Allied Fighters in Chino, California with Mike Breshears of Vintage Airframes in Caldwell, ID doing a majority of the work.
1944 North American Aviation P-51D “Swamp Fox”
The P-51D Mustang underwent a complete restoration from 2007 to 2012. The restoration was managed by Jeff Harris at Allied Fighters in Chino, California with Mike Breshears of Vintage Airframes in Caldwell, ID doing a majority of the work.
Also providing support during the restoration was Fighter Rebuilders (Chino, CA) and Westpac Restorations (Colorado Springs, CO). Roush Aviation in Michigan overhauled the Packard Merlin engine.
After several decades on the ground, N5420V’s first flight after restoration was mid-May 2012. The current owner bought the plane in June of 2012 and had it painted as the last mount of then, Lt. Will Foard – “Swamp Fox” C5-A, 364th Fighter Squadron, 357th Fighter Group, 8th Air Force, based out of Leiston, England.
The current owner considers themselves trustee of this important piece of history and want to preserve it by honoring all those past present and future that have served the U.S. Armed Forces.
On December 2, 2012, Lt. Col. Will Foard, USAF (ret), surrounded by family and friends, had the opportunity to see this Mustang restored as his during WWII. After lunch, Lt. Col Foard strapped into the rear seat of Swamp Fox and rode with Robert as they flew in formation with two other 357th FG P-51s (Gentleman Jim & Ain’t Misbehavin’).
Lt. Col Will Foard, USAF (ret), then a young USAAF Lt., grew up in the Carolina’s. Since he was flying and fighting out of England, Will thought it would be funny to name his plane after the famous American Revolutionary hero from South Carolina, Col Francis Marion. Marion was hated by the British and gave him the moniker “Swamp Fox”.
Delivered to the USAAF on May 7, 1945, 44-74202 remained state side for its military service. It was sold surplus at the famous McClellan AFB auction in 1957. It flew for several years and was then taken apart and stored for many years until 2007 when it was sold and entered a five year restoration by Vintage Airframes / Allied Fighters. The restoration as completed in 2012 and the Mustang was painted to represent a 357th FG Mustang “Swamp Fox”. It has been a regular airshow performer for the past twelve years.