Dates

Event

Constructed as a P-51D.
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Taken on Strength/Charge with the Israeli Defense Force with s/n 69.

After 1984

Photographer: Charlene Aro

Circa 1984

Photographer: Charlene Aro

1984

Photographer: Shawn Aro
Notes: Bakersfield

1984

Photographer: Shawn Aro

Circa 1984

Photographer: Malcolm Gougan Collection

From 7 September 1984 to 1987

To Alan Preston Air Racing Team, Dallas, TX with new c/r N332 {2}.

Restored.
The fuselage of IDFAF 69 and the wing of IDFAF 28 formed the basis of the restoration. Modified as a racer with a cut-down fuselage and leading-edge radiators. It is assumed that other components from USAAF s/n 45-11471 were used in this restoration project as well, but it just may be a case that it simply adopted the ID of that former racer.
For more information about this other airframe see this Airframe Dossier

From 10 September 1984 to 16 September 1984

Raced as #84, named Stiletto.
A brand new highly modified D model Mustang patterned, somewhat, after Anson Johnsons 1948 Thompson Trophy Winner in that all cooling was done through the leading edge of the wings and there were no scoops on the bottom of the airplane. This and other mods were undertaken by Dave Zeuschel, Dennis Schoenfelder, Skip Holm as engineering/test pilot, and Alan Preston as financial backer for the newly formed Alan Preston Racing Team. Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Skip Holm. Qualified in 4th place with an average speed of 433.292 mph. Raced in Heat 4B. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 425.945 mph. Raced in Heat 7. Finished in 3rd place with an average speed of 422.490 mph. Raced in the Championship race. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 437.621 mph.

Circa 10 September 1984

Photographer: Bill Eaton

Circa 16 September 1984

Photographer: Bill Eaton

16 September 1984

Photographer: Bill Eaton

From 1 June 1985 to 2 June 1985

Raced as #84, named Stiletto.
Competed in the National Air Races Bakersfield event. The primary pilot was Skip Holm from Woodland Hills, CA. Qualified in 2nd place with an average speed of 421.172 mph. Raced in Gold Heat. Finished in 4th place with an average speed of 392.593 mph. Started the Championship race, but did not finish. Raced in the Gold Heat race. Finished in 4th place with an average speed of 392.593 mph. Left the gold race on the 6th lap when ran out of coolant. A detonation ruptured intake ducting, followed by a safe landing.

From 9 September 1985 to 15 September 1985

Raced as #84, named Stiletto.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Skip Holm. Qualified in 2nd place with an average speed of 442.479 mph. Started Heat 2B, but did not finish. Raced in Heat 3C. Finished in 4th place with an average speed of 383.186 mph. Did not start in the Championship race.

From 8 September 1986 to 14 September 1986

Raced as #84, named COLOR TILE.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Skip Holm. Qualified in 2nd place with an average speed of 437.177 mph. Raced in Heat 2B. Finished in 3rd place with an average speed of 406.280 mph. Raced in Heat 3C. Finished in 3rd place with an average speed of 399.341 mph. Started the Championship race, but did not finish.

8 September 1986

Photographer: Bill Eaton

From 14 September 1987 to 20 September 1987

Raced as #84, named Stiletto.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Scott Sherman. Qualified in 5th place with an average speed of 439.375 mph. Raced in Heat 2B. Finished in 6th place with an average speed of 378.374 mph. Raced in Heat 3C. Finished in 6th place with an average speed of 398.685 mph. Started the Championship race, but did not finish.

Circa 14 September 1987

Photographer: David Leininger
Notes: Photographed at the National Championship Air Races at Stead Field near Reno, Nevada.

From 1987 to 1989

To Sherman Aircraft Sales, West Palm Beach, FL keeping c/r N332 {2}.

From 12 September 1988 to 18 September 1988

Raced as #84, named Stiletto.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Scott Sherman. Qualified in 6th place with an average speed of 449.792 mph. Started Heat 2B, but did not finish. Started Heat 3C, but did not finish. Started the Championship race, but did not finish.

18 September 1988

Photographer: Anthony Taylor - warbirdfotos.com
Notes: Scott Sherman during Sundays Unlimited Gold Final. Plagued with mechanical problems, Stiletto was unable to complete the race, received (DNF). Photo shot between pylon three and pylon four.

Circa 1988

Photographer: Charlene Aro

Circa 1988

Photographer: Unknown
Notes: Photographed at the Reno Air Races. It was originally thought this photo was taken in 1981 but markings indicate it may be 1988.

2 November 1989

To Liberty Aero Corporation, Santa Monica, CA keeping c/r N332 {2}.

September 1992

Photographer: Jacqueline Fischer
Notes: Reno-Stead, NV

From 14 September 1992 to 20 September 1992

Raced as #84, named Stiletto.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Matt Jackson. Qualified in 6th place with an average speed of 427.319 mph. Started Heat 2B, but did not finish. Started Heat 3C, but did not finish. Raced in the Championship race. Finished in 4th place with an average speed of 426.219 mph.

The components of this airframe essentially went into the restoration of a newly built fuselage. That project in term adopted the ID of USAAF s/n 45-11471.
For more information about this other airframe see this Airframe Dossier