"P-51C Thunderbird" cap

The P-51C Thunderbird, winner of the 1949 Bendix Race, belonged to Jimmy Stewart, a Hollywood star and bomber pilot during World War II.

Piloted by Joe DeBona, the Thunderbird crossed the finish line in Cleveland at a record average speed of 470 miles per hour (about 756 km/h), a feat unmatched by any piston-engine aircraft. Powered by a Packard Merlin V-1650 engine and fueled by a special 150-octane gasoline blend, it combined technology and daring.

Coated with 48 layers of primer and a perfectly polished cobalt blue paint finish, its glossy surface is said to have provided a speed gain of 8 miles per hour (approximately 13 km/h).

A symbol of an era when speed was a passion, the Thunderbird remains one of the most remarkable P-51s in the world.

We are pleased to offer you a complete collection dedicated to this legendary aircraft. We have paid the utmost attention to detail in our creations, in partnership with Aircorps Aviation and the Dakota Territory Air Museum.