Warbird Information Exchange

Guys

I had to chime in on this one. As a racer for 28 years and being in the vintage car restoration scene for 25 years. Its simple.
mechanical support, parts availability, and cool factor. People will pay more for anything that fits these 3 categories well no matter how ubiquitous the item.
P51's have tons of people to support them, a near inexhaustible parts supply, and it is a cool plane.
This applies to Cars too

I always thought I wanted a Sea Fury until I flew one about 3 years ago.
Cetainly a fast airplane, quite a bit faster then a Mustang but not nearly as many buyers grew up wanting a Sea Fury as those wanting a Mustang.
My thoughts about the Fury was that it was a big airplane and I was told it was difficult to land. I didn't have any trouble with the landing or any of the flying at all, but I absolutely did not like the cockpit. I felt claustrophobic since the sidewalls came up over my shoulders and your feet are elevated above your butt. It was the old Cottonmouth so there is a possibility it was modified since the last owner was quite tall.
I know when a friend of mine had his Fury restored part availability was a huge problem. There is absulutely no parts problems with a P-51.
Engine overhaul and wait time is much worse with the 3350 and the info I have heard is that it is tough to get a good motor. Once again with the Mustang there are several great engine builders and it is fairly easy to obtain a motor that is ready to bolt in with a few phone calls.

But the big issues in my opinion are
1. War history
2. American history
3. The sound of the motor