Ill-advised from POF's perspective because they parted with an asset, just at the beginning of the run-up in value of rare airworthy warbirds, that would have appreciated quite a lot over the next few decades and been a big draw for the museum.
Also unfortunate from the aircraft's perspective because it was neglected by its owners in Japan for a time, to the point that it would have required more restoration to get back into airworthy shape than it needed the first time. I understand it is better cared for now, but still in nothing like the condition it left the US in.
All this is 20-20 hindsight, of course. I am not saying that selling the plane should have seemed like a dumb idea at the time, but I would be surprised if POF hasn't regretted it over the years.
August
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