DiamondBack
is a dual cockpit / dual control TF-51 Mustang built in
1945 as a P-51D-30NT. After serving in the United States
military from 1945 to 1958, the aircraft was sold as surplus
in 1958 in Sacramento, California. Private owners flew
the aircraft for pleasure and raced it in transcontinental
and closed course races from 1964 until it was crashed
and destroyed in 1979.
In 1984 an engineering team of race
enthusiasts and engine builders rebuilt and modified the
aircraft into
the Reno
racer named "Stiletto" and it raced at Reno
until 1993. Skip Holm piloted Stiletto to 1st place in
the Unlimited
Gold race in 1984 at 437.6 mph.
In 1993 a joint restoration was undertaken
to return the racer to a "stock" TF-51 Mustang. Upon completion
the aircraft was sold to David Jeansonne of Louisiana and
named “Rajun Cajun". In 1998 the Mustang
was sold to Bob Jepson and the Lady Alice Corporation.
The
team at Stallion 51 Maintenance in Kissimmee, Florida
put the finishing touches on the aircraft before having
it
painted in authentic colors of the 356th Fighter Group,
360th Fighter Squadron and named it DiamondBack.
DiamondBack is owned by Mark Peterson and based in
Boise, Idaho. Bart Quick and Quick’s Inspections
provides maintenance, upgrades and operational support. |