The Iconic P-51D ‘Swamp Fox’ Hits the Market

On November 19th, Platinum Fighter Sales announced the listing of another iconic fighter for sale—the legendary 1944 North American Aviation P-51D Mustang Swamp Fox, owned by airshow pilot R.T. Dickson.

The P-51D Mustang underwent an extensive restoration between 2007 and 2012, led by Jeff Harris of Allied Fighters in Chino, California. A significant portion of the restoration was carried out by Mike Breshears at Vintage Airframes in Caldwell, Idaho. Additional support came from Fighter Rebuilders in Chino, California, and Westpac Restorations in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The aircraft’s Packard Merlin engine was expertly overhauled by Roush Aviation in Michigan. After spending decades grounded, N5420V took to the skies again in mid-May 2012 for its first post-restoration flight. Shortly afterward, in June 2012, the aircraft was acquired by its current owner, who had it painted to represent the wartime P-51 flown by Lt. Will Foard, nicknamed Swamp Fox (C5-A) of the 364th Fighter Squadron, 357th Fighter Group, 8th Air Force, based at Leiston, England. The new owner sees themselves as a steward of this historical treasure, committed to preserving its legacy and honoring the sacrifices of those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

The P-51D Swamp Fox is painted in honor of the original P-51D Swamp Fox that was flown by Retired Lt. Col. Will Foard during World War II. On December 2, 2012, Lt. Col. Will Foard, USAF (Ret.), was reunited with the restored Mustang, surrounded by family and friends. After a celebratory lunch, he climbed into the rear seat of Swamp Fox and joined pilot Robert for a special flight. They flew in formation alongside two other P-51s from the 357th Fighter Group, Gentleman Jim and Ain’t Misbehavin.

As a young USAAF lieutenant during World War II, Lt. Col. Foard had named his aircraft Swamp Fox as a nod to the legendary Revolutionary War hero Col. Francis Marion, a South Carolina native who earned his nickname from the British for his guerrilla warfare tactics. Foard, who grew up in the Carolinas, found the reference fitting and a bit humorous while flying missions out of England.

This historic aircraft underwent an extensive restoration between 2007 and 2012, led by Jeff Harris of Allied Fighters in Chino, California. Mike Breshears of Vintage Airframes in Caldwell, Idaho, conducted a substantial portion of the work, with additional contributions from Fighter Rebuilders in Chino and Westpac Restorations in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The Packard Merlin engine was expertly overhauled by Roush Aviation in Michigan, ensuring the Mustang’s performance matched its storied legacy.

Grounded for decades, N5420V soared again in mid-May 2012 during its first post-restoration flight. In June of that year, the aircraft was purchased by its current owner, who had it repainted to honor Lt. Will Foard’s wartime Mustang, Swamp Fox of the 364th Fighter Squadron, 357th Fighter Group, 8th Air Force. Stationed at Leiston, England, during World War II, Foard’s aircraft was a tribute to his roots and service. The owner regards themselves as a custodian of this significant piece of history, dedicated to preserving its legacy and honoring the sacrifices of past, present, and future members of the U.S. Armed Forces.

R.T. Dickson is anticipated to take flight in his F-86 soon, following its restoration, with plans to begin performing at airshows during the 2025 season. Our article about this F-86 can be found HERE.

Platinum Fighter Sales has recently added several rare and unique aircraft to its listings, including the remarkable XP-82 Twin Mustang, and a 1940 Supermarine Spitfire. However, one aircraft that consistently stands out and captivates the imagination of aviation collectors and enthusiasts is the legendary Corsair. The FG-1D Corsair (BuNo 67089) available listed by Platinum Fighter Sales, was originally built by Goodyear under contract for the U.S. Navy. This particular Corsair has experienced a fascinating evolution, transitioning from military service to private ownership and even enjoying a stint as a racing aircraft.

For more information and photos about this aircraft, visit www.platinumfighters.com