Australian Warbird owner?

[mustang1]

I was reading an article in the newest Classic Wings magazine where it says that Tony Raftis is putting together a warbird collection. The collection consist of a P-47 Razorback,Spitfire,TF-51D,Hawker Sea Fury,P40N, and a Corsair. Where is the money coming to buy all the warbirds?

[Randy Haskin]

Some quick Googling found that Mr. Raftis is a Melbourne businessman, a Ferrari (and other exotic car) enthusiast, and owns (or has owned) numerous auto race teams and motorsport companies.

Seems to have some very deep pockets.

[Andy in West Oz]

It all seems a little bit of a mystery at the moment. I guess Tony Raftis' buying is generating as much interest as Paul Allen did when he started up. Hopefully, Mr Raftis will be as well regarded for his collection. Haven't heard whether there are plans for a museum yet.

He has also bought P-51 VH-FST, Bill Wyllie's machine painted in William Shomo's colours that was based here in Perth.

Exciting times for the Oz warbird scene....even without the Raftis purchases!

Cheers

Andy

[Pat Carry]

Which P-47 and TF-51D did he purchase?

[Andy in West Oz]

Pat

The P-47 is the razorback "Little Demon" that Warbirds of Great Britain have had in storage for a while. She's reportedly on the docks in Melbourne.

The TF-51 escapes me at the moment.

Cheers

Andy

[Pat Carry]

Glad to hear "Little Demon" is finally coming out of its crate!

[Elroy13]

Is that the P-47 that to belonged to Lone Star?

[TonyA]

Is that the P-47 that to belonged to Lone Star?

I'm not sure it belonged to the museum but it was on display there before it came over to England

[Tim Savage]

Is that the P-47 that to belonged to Lone Star?

Trae,

It was Ray Stutsman aircraft and I think he had it on loan there before it went to Doug Arnold.

RER

Stutsman sold it to Robert Waltrip in 1986. It was part of the Lone Star collection for quite some time before it went overseas.