By Ugo Vicenzi
One of the finest and most actively flown Grumman Albatross aircraft in existence made an unexpected appearance at Bresso Airfield, a small airport just outside Milan, Italy, in the final days of April 2025. Bresso is a historic airfield with roots dating back to World War I, when Costruzioni Meccaniche Breda established its aeronautical division and required a test site for its aircraft.
During World War II, Bresso played a vital role, hosting fighters and fighter-bombers of the Regia Aeronautica. After the 1943 armistice, it became home to the FIAT G.55 and Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighters of the 2° Gruppo of the Aeronautica Nazionale Repubblicana—the fascist air force that continued operations under German alignment. Since 1960, Bresso has served as the base for Aeroclub Milano, which supports a range of general aviation activities. The arrival of the Albatross marked the largest aircraft presence at the field since 1948, when the massive four-engine Breda-Zappata BZ.308 was built and tested there.
The visiting Albatross, registered N98TP, is a true warbird. It was originally delivered to the United States Air Force in 1951 (some sources state 1953) as an SA-16A, serial number 51-7186. Notably, it was built as a rare Tri-Phibian variant—capable of operating from land, water, and snow (via skis). After its decommissioning in 1968, the aircraft was sent to storage at Davis-Monthan AFB. From 1972 to 1979, it served with the Confederate Air Force (now the Commemorative Air Force), before being sold to Wilkie Cameron of Texas under the civil registration N4478E.
Over the years, N98TP passed through several owners until 2006, when it was acquired by Universal Exports International LLC of Minnesota. The aircraft underwent a thorough restoration and emerged under its current registration. In 2021, it was acquired by Meyer Manx Airways, owned by Philip Sarofim—an avid collector of historic automobiles and head of the Meyers Manx Dune Buggy company.
It was Sarofim’s passion for classic cars that brought the Albatross to Italy. In 2022, his ultra-rare Aston Martin Bulldog won the Gold Cup at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, one of the world’s premier classic car shows, held in the lavish gardens of a Renaissance villa on Lake Como. The following year, Sarofim staged a dramatic arrival: flying his Albatross from San Francisco Bay, across the Azores, and into northern Italy to make a water landing and pass over the concours on May 20. The sight and sound of the twin Wright Cyclone engines captivated the crowd of automotive enthusiasts.
Unfortunately, engine trouble developed shortly afterward, forcing the aircraft to divert to Bresso, where it awaited a replacement Cyclone engine. Once repaired, N98TP resumed operations across Europe, often seen near Oxford, UK. As preparations for the 2025 Concorso d’Eleganza began, the Albatross returned to Bresso. It made several scenic guest flights to Lake Como, soaring past Villa d’Este where Sarofim showcased another jewel of his collection—the one-of-a-kind Lancia Stratos Zero. This futuristic concept car, designed by Carrozzeria Bertone, remains one of the most iconic and valuable prototypes in automotive history.
