The P-51C “Thunderbird,” one of the most recognizable P-51 Mustangs from the post-war era, recently had its first flight after its restoration. Warren Pietsch, a founding board member of the Dakota Territory Air Museum and a famed warbird pilot, hired AirCorps Aviation to complete the restoration of his P-51C. Pilot Bernie Vasquez returned the 1949 Bendix race winner to the air in early June 2023.
Thunderbird was owned by World War II Brigadier General, bomber pilot, and academy award winner Jimmy Stewart. Jackie Cochran, the Speed Queen, also owned Thunderbird at one time.
My grandfather was at that race. Major Gen Wilson V Newhal. He also was a racer. He had a P63 in 1948 races and P51 Musta g in the 1949 races
Pla e number 65
Wow there’s a plane with serious history 😋😋😋😋
Unfortunately they just don’t make them like Gen.Jimmy Stewart anymore!
Jimmy Stewart was the Real Deal. Hollywood would be wise to find more like him today.
Keep it up. Good job.