Paul Allen B17 For Sale

[JohnH]

And so it begins.

https://www.platinumfighters.com/invent ... -fortress-

[Vagabond]

The good news is Elon Musk is buying the entire collection.

The bad news is he’s taking it to Mars as a tourist attraction.

[Jim MacDonald]

$9mil for a plane that still needs to have 20% of its restoration done plus assembly? Doesn't seem to be particularly smart investment. If I had it, I think I'd be more inclined to buy a small cheaper group of Warbirds, SNJ, TBM, FM-2 & SBD(?).

Mac

[OD/NG]

$9mil for a plane that still needs to have 20% of its restoration done plus assembly? Doesn't seem to be particularly smart investment. If I had it, I think I'd be more inclined to buy a small cheaper group of Warbirds, SNJ, TBM, FM-2 & SBD(?).

Mac

I don't think that is an unreasonable price, as it's certainly "in the ballpark". The last time a flyable B-17 sold, which was last year, it went for 10.5 Million. That aircraft was a "common" G model and an older restoration and not at all on this level. Keep in mind, that this B-17 project, once completed, will be an extremely rare "E" model, none of which fly today. Additionally, it has been restored to the highest standards and would have been the most authentic, accurate B-17 flying had Allen finished it. With all of this in mind, I don't think 9 Million is unreasonable, even if it needs another 1 to 2 Million for completion. Remember, the B-17 is getting rarer and rarer by the minute. Just a few years ago, there were 13 B-17's flyable worldwide. Now there are only 8, with others likely to be grounded in the future for various reasons. Any B-17, including this one, will only go up in value from this point forward, particularly if it is restored and kept in airworthy condition.

[FuryFB11]

Also worth noting that the original Mosquito TV959 airframe is for sale too https://www.platinumfighters.com/invent ... -mosquito-

As is the FHCAM A6M Model 52 project:
https://www.platinumfighters.com/invent ... ro-or-zeke)

[Jim MacDonald]

$9mil for a plane that still needs to have 20% of its restoration done plus assembly? Doesn't seem to be particularly smart investment. If I had it, I think I'd be more inclined to buy a small cheaper group of Warbirds, SNJ, TBM, FM-2 & SBD(?).

Mac

Okay, I changed my mind. I'd skip the SNJ & SBD & get the Zero instead of those two.

Mac

[TAdan]

Nice to finally see some recent pictures of it after all those years hidden from public view. I hope it finds a good home that can see the project through to completion.

[Warbirdnerd]

And the F-8s -

http://courtesyaircraft.com/aircraft/n9 ... r-project/

http://courtesyaircraft.com/aircraft/n3 ... r-project/

http://courtesyaircraft.com/aircraft/ch ... -crusader/

[Mike]

Interesting that the sales are being split between 2 brokers

[Mike]

$9mil for a plane that still needs to have 20% of its restoration done plus assembly?

80% done, 80% to go by the look of the pictures.

[wendovertom]

Several years ago when we were looking at a partial B-29 section a broker told us that he had several buyers with at least 10M lined up to buy a B-17 but none could be found. I have no doubt this one will go quickly. I would love to see it being a flyer for sure!

Now the Crusaders - I AM IN LUST! I love that jet and again, if I had a lotto win behind me it would be hard to keep me from buying those projects.

But truth is, purchase price on all these planes is simply the admission ticket - then you start really spending - LOL

Tom P.

[TAdan]

Aren't these Panthers and F-84 from Allen's collection too?


https://www.platinumfighters.com/f84

https://www.platinumfighters.com/f9f

[FuryFB11]

Aren't these Panthers and F-84 from Allen's collection too?


https://www.platinumfighters.com/f84

https://www.platinumfighters.com/f9f

Yes, both registered to FHCAM/Vulcan

[old iron]

Yes, both registered to FHCAM/Vulcan

Do we have a list of all aircraft registered with FHCAM? Would be better than learning about these piece-meal as they formally go up for sale.

[Chuck Giese]

$9mil for a plane that still needs to have 20% of its restoration done plus assembly? Doesn't seem to be particularly smart investment. If I had it, I think I'd be more inclined to buy a small cheaper group of Warbirds, SNJ, TBM, FM-2 & SBD(?).

Mac

I don't think that is an unreasonable price, as it's certainly "in the ballpark". The last time a flyable B-17 sold, which was last year, it went for 10.5 Million. That aircraft was a "common" G model and an older restoration and not at all on this level. Keep in mind, that this B-17 project, once completed, will be an extremely rare "E" model, none of which fly today. Additionally, it has been restored to the highest standards and would have been the most authentic, accurate B-17 flying had Allen finished it. With all of this in mind, I don't think 9 Million is unreasonable, even if it needs another 1 to 2 Million for completion. Remember, the B-17 is getting rarer and rarer by the minute. Just a few years ago, there were 13 B-17's flyable worldwide. Now there are only 8, with others likely to be grounded in the future for various reasons. Any B-17, including this one, will only go up in value from this point forward, particularly if it is restored and kept in airworthy condition.

I believe it's way overpriced, considering the amount of work necessary to complete what will be an experimental category B-17. And also a gamble. B-17's are only worth the 6 - 8 Million price tag if there is either a) a deep pocket owner willing to fly it, or 2) a FAA ride program to operate it under. Without these, they become very expensive museum exhibits, nowhere near the asking price.

My guess is that the price is set to recover the investment in it, which should give you a clue as to how much additional cash it will take to complete.

Last edited by Chuck Giese on Tue May 25, 2021 10:06 am, edited 1 time in total.