'Dago Red' Could Be Yours For Only $950K... Make That $950,050... No, $950,100...

by ANN Associate Editor Rob Finfrock

The crew at Aero-News was both shocked, humored, and somewhat awed to find a true piece of air racing history for sale this week... on eBay. We're also now searching for any spare change we can find, calling our rich uncles to ask "just how they're doing", and hitting the boss up for rather substantial raises (E-I-C Note: Ah, no.)

"Dago Red", a legend among pilots and crowds alike at the Reno Air Races, is for sale. And it's for sale on -- it bears repeating -- eBay, the online auction site better known for potential low, low prices for household items, cars, jewelry, clothes, books, and Britney Spears' old bras... pretty much everything except an airplane (although there are actually plenty of those for sale on the site, too.)

But what about an airplane that features a "4000+" horsepower engine, is the current 5-time consecutive National Unlimited Class Champion, and has posted a still-unbroken record speed of 517.06 mph in the 15km category? It's no joke: the heavily-modified P-51 Mustang, built in 1982 from the wreckage of a plane originally manufactured in 1944 and is today almost unrecognizable from the original, is being sold on the online site.

And, at the current bid of $950,100, it still hasn't met the unlisted reserve price.

A little steep, perhaps -- but to be fair, the price not only includes one hot mamma-jamma of an airplane, but also the accessories necessary in keeping such an aircraft in the air, including: a 48' support trailer, two engines, a 29' RV, tug, two engine stands, and "miscellaneous parts, equipment, and supplies."

Considering that prices of authentic P-51s still hover north of $1 million -- when you can find one for sale -- this is probably an amazing deal.

While we search for wealthy benefactors, you can check out the auction for yourself at the link below. But remember, this is a serious auction, and eBay has gone after people in the past who have artificially inflated auction prices. This is no joke, so conduct yourself accordingly. Bidding is set to end on October 20 at 9am PDT.

If you can afford it, and want a unique (and very, very, VERY fast) piece of history, have at it. All we ask of Dago Red's eventual new owner is that you please remember your friends at Aero-News. In the meantime, we'll be bidding on the R/C powered "DAGO RED" model also for sale on the site, engine and radio not included, currently showing a price of $6.49. We can almost swing that...

FMI: Dago Red eBay Page