Don Lopez was in a pinch. He was head to head with a Japanese Zero, or enemy fighter, and was unable to shoot him down. In order to make his escape, Don collided with the Zero, taking its wing off and clipping three feet off his own. This P51C is painted to replicate Don’s plane, called “Lope’s Hope the Third.” Its distinctive black tail indicates that it was based in China.

In 2018, this plane won the title of Grand Champion War Bird at E.A.A. Air Venture held in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. It underwent a five year restoration project conducted by Air Core Aviation in Bemidji, MN which was expensive but incredibly accurate. Now, it’s in tip-top shape. Even its original radios work.