Collings aircraft recently sold

[Ed Likes]

I have heard that Collings sold the TF-51 and the Dual Control P-40. Does anyone know of others that might be for sale? Also any idea who might now own the 2 aircraft that I mentioned, and where there now located? Thanks in advance.

[LegendaryWings]

The TP-40 has been in the UK (based at Biggin Hill) since 2021. It is likely that it has been sold to Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar, and they will probably use it for flight experiences (alongside the two seat Spitfires and P-51D). Unfortunately, I don't have any guesses for who the TF-51D has been sold to.

[OD/NG]

Not surprising at all. Collings recently settled all of their lawsuits as a result of the B-17 accident. Rumor is that it was many millions of dollars in damages, so selling both of these aircraft to finance that decision makes sense. I don't know who the new owners are, but I'm sure all will be revealed when they are ready.

What's surprising is that Collings hasn't sold any of their bombers. To me, that indicates that they have some use for them in the future. What that is, is anybody's guess.

I hope that Collings can re-invent themselves and come out the other end as a newer, better, and safer organization. If they want to remain as a viable, robust flying organization, that is the only way they will regain confidence from the FAA, general public and insurance underwriters. IMO, if it's "business as usual", they will remain, effectively, a static museum, with most of their aircraft parked.

[K5DH]

The new issue of Air Classics mentions the sale of the Mustang and Warhawk and attributes the sale to the lawsuit settlement. The AC article also stated that other Collings aircraft are "quietly for sale".

[JohnH]

The TF appears to now be based in Sanford, NC, based on flight aware.

[Archer]

A quick check of the N-numbers show that while the TP-51C is registered to the Collings Foundation in Stow, MA, the TP-51D 'Toulouse Nuts' is registered to the Toulouse Nuts LLC, from Raleigh, NC. The current certificate for the aircraft was issued on 28th Sept of this year, while not conclusive, it might be related to an owner change around that time.

I thought that the TP-40N sale was already a done deal. As was mentioned, it was sold to the Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar in 2021, see here: https://www.scramble.nl/military-news/t ... iggin-hill
It is interesting that both aircraft are still listed on the Collings Foundation website...