Warbird Information Exchange

I couldn't disagree more... yes, the markets do fluctuate, and yes, it often does take an age to sell an aircraft, but sell they do. The interest is definitely there, probably more than ever... the number of restorations being worked on these days is astonishing. I don't see that changing much in the near term, or the long term, to be honest. The prices depend upon scarcity, desireability, and the state of the economy. Right now, the economy is in a major slump... consequently, it's harder to sell luxury items for high dollar value... that's all it is at the moment. Once the economy turns around, you'll see prices spike again. The one thing which might eventually slow things down is availability of avgas, but even then, people will want them for their museums.... as it stands there are plenty of major collectors who just park their aircraft once they are airworthy.

Richard

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Richard Mallory Allnutt - Photography - http://www.rmallnutt.com

I agree with RMAllnutt-
Everything goes in cycles....the trick is to know where is the bottom-and where is the top OF the cycle.

Looking at active warbirds primarily as a financial investment is actually a myth. I think it's advanced for spousal credibility as a rule.

The risks of major losses and the costs you have to carry make a poor risk, then there's the poor ROI potential, never mind the market cycle element.

Both the Wildcat and Turkycat are undervalued in cash terms as against their historical significance, and both have been recommended by keen warbird owners I know as worthwhile fun and relatively cheap buys.

If you want to sell for around what you bought for, fly careful, it might work. If you want your money to work and come back, not in warbirds.

It's not where I've put my meagre money, but I'm appreciative of those that have done so.

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James K

"Switch on the underwater landing lights"
Emilio Largo, Thunderball.

www.VintageAeroWriter.com

I have to admit, as to the question of them declining in value with the lessening availability of avgas, I am convinced that folks who have invested so much money in aircraft will figure out a way to fly them with available petroleum products. There are a lot of ways to make fuel work, if you have enough time and money to figure it out.

And I think that there will always be a floor in terms of value for most WWII aircraft, including Mustangs, Corsairs etc.

kevin

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FOUND the elusive DT-built B-24! Woo-hoo!!!

I think the WWII fighters will always remain strong. They may stabilize in price but I really don't see them going down anytime soon. Certainly T-6s, T-28s, and Stearmans have taken a big hit in the last two years but I still don't see the fighter market taking a dive. If you want to see an aircraft market suffering rapid price deflation, check out the antique plane market. The antique vs WWII fighter markets are very different. I just don't see the same forces that are pushing antique airplane prices down also pushing piston fighters down in value. IMHO.

Tulsaboy, what do you mean you found a DT B-24? That's great news if you did, even if it's a project. I must have missed the news.

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Albert Stix Jr.
"Work is the curse of the drinking class"

I didn't notice if these have a reserve price. I doubt if John would drop his
price 300K on a a/c he doesn't ''need'' to sell. It really does need a complete
restoration. All Jack did back when he "restored" it was to strip it, disassemble it,
clean it up and put it together with new fabric, hardware, cables ect.

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Don't touch my junk!!

Maybe if they put the sprayer bars and dump tanks back in...

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All right, Mister Dorfmann, start pullin'!
Pilot: "Flap switch works hard in down position."
Mechanic: "Flap switch checked OK. Pilot needs more P.T." - Flight report, TB-17G 42-102875 (Hobbs AAF)

Never underestimate the love of flying, the love of war-birds and people just wanting to burn some cash into beautiful music. Like so many hobbies you don't get into them for the return (it might be a poor excuse to justify it) in the end it is because of the love of the hobby. IMHO

Tim

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www.tailhookstudio.com