A remarkable piece of aviation history is now available for purchase through Platinum Fighter Sales—a 1945 Grumman FM-2 Wildcat (N11FE). With its unique configuration and rich history, this warbird presents an incredible opportunity for collectors, pilots, and aviation enthusiasts alike. This aircraft has a total time since new of 2,829 hours, with 274 hours since its major overhaul on the Wright R-1820-76D engine. The Hamilton Standard 33D50 propeller has also undergone 274 hours since its last overhaul, with its next airworthiness directive due in May 2029. Flown regularly, the Wildcat remains in annual inspection and is in excellent flying condition. One of its most unique features is the three passenger seats in the rear fuselage, making it one of the most distinctive FM-2 Wildcats. The aircraft is priced at $1,500,000.
This FM-2 Wildcat, Bureau Number 86680, is among the most intriguing survivors of its kind. Built at the General Motors Eastern Aircraft Division in New Jersey, this aircraft never saw combat but played a vital role in naval aviation training and operations. Wildcats like this one were instrumental in escort carrier missions and the Pacific theater’s island-hopping campaigns.
As usual, Aerial Visuals provide the chronology of the history of most warbirds, which we conveniently transcribe as follows. Constructed as an FM-2 by General Motors Eastern Aircraft Division in Baltimore, MD, this aircraft was taken on strength by the U.S. Navy in 1945 with Bureau Number 86680. In 1946, it was transferred to civilian ownership under Richard R. Carlisle in Alabama with the registration N55558, followed by Alfred T. Whiteside in Jacksonville, FL, as N777A. At some point, modifications were made to add a cabin behind the cockpit, installing four windows for passenger seating. By January 1962, it had an unknown owner with the Venezuelan registration YV-T-OTO, later re-registered as YV-T-HTJ in February 1969. In November of that year, it returned to the U.S. under Professional Aircraft Sales Co. in New Smyrna Beach, FL, with the new registration N11FE. Ownership changed hands multiple times, including Frederick W. Edison of Kalamazoo, MI, in 1970, with an airworthiness certificate issued in January 1971. On June 29, 1975, the aircraft was involved in an incident near South Haven, MI, after the pilot, distracted by a cylinder head temperature gauge, allowed the aircraft to descend into the water. The aircraft was salvaged and repaired, later passing to Richard Foote in Summerland Key, FL, around 1976, who maintained ownership under Professional Aircraft Sales until 2006. In 2008, it was acquired by Carrier Deck Aviation Inc. in Kissimmee, FL, and based at Stallion 51. In 2010, it moved to Mustang Aviation Partners in Wilmington, DE, and was later associated with the Collings Foundation in Stow, MA. By 2014, Skyraider A1E LLC owned the aircraft, and it was displayed at the Quonset Air Museum in Rhode Island. In 2020, ownership transferred again, with the aircraft ultimately being placed on display with the Collings Foundation in Stow, MA, where it remains today.
Despite its age, N11FE remains in superb flying condition, meticulously maintained, and regularly flown. Its rare three-passenger seat configuration adds a unique touch, making it a perfect warbird for those looking to share the thrill of vintage aviation with others.
For those seeking to own a fully operational World War II fighter with a distinctive history, this FM-2 Wildcat offers an unmatched opportunity. Whether for personal enjoyment, historical preservation, or airshow performance, this aircraft stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Wildcat and the brave pilots who flew them. For more information or to inquire about purchasing, visit Platinum Fighter Sales and take the first step toward owning this extraordinary warbird.
