10 Things To Know About Owning a P-51 Mustang

For most aviation enthusiasts, owning a P-51 Mustang is the ultimate dream. The sound of the Merlin engine, the polished aluminum skin, and the fighter’s wartime legacy make it one of the most iconic aircraft ever built. But behind the romance of flight lies the reality of cost, upkeep, and commitment.

1. Most Civilian Mustangs Never Saw Combat

Nearly all P-51s flying today were completed too late for wartime service. Many were sold to foreign air forces, including those in Central America, before being retired and later restored by private owners.

2. The Price Tag Starts Around $1 Million

A flyable Mustang costs at least $1 million. Freshly restored, dual-control examples from top restoration shops can reach $3 to $3.5 million.

3. Maintenance Is Constant

Every Mustang requires meticulous care. Specialized outfits such as Stallion 51 in Florida inspect and maintain these aircraft regularly to keep them airworthy.

4. Parts Are Still Being Made

Thanks to dedicated restorers and collectors like Jack Roush, parts for the Merlin engine and airframe are still being manufactured, allowing Mustangs to stay in the sky.

5. Engine Overhauls Cost Around $100,000

A full rebuild of the Rolls-Royce Merlin engine costs about $100,000. In aviation terms, that is comparable to overhauling the engines of smaller twin aircraft.

6. The Engine Lasts About 800 Hours

The Merlin’s top end runs for roughly 400 hours, while a full life cycle reaches about 800 before another overhaul is needed.

7. Fuel Burn Is Heavy

Cruising at 270 knots, or just over 300 miles per hour, the Mustang consumes about 62 gallons of fuel per hour. During high-power aerobatics, that figure can climb to 85 gallons.

8. Average Flying Time

Most owners fly around 100 hours each year, balancing the joy of flying with the realities of maintenance and engine wear.

9. Taildragger Experience Helps

Pilots who master the Mustang often have experience flying taildraggers such as Cubs, Scouts, or Wacos, which helps them handle the fighter’s challenging ground behavior.

10. The Legacy Lives On

For many owners, the Mustang represents family history. It is a tribute to fathers and grandfathers who served in World War II, a living reminder of the bravery that shaped aviation’s golden age.

Owning a P-51 is not easy or inexpensive, but for those who do, it is the closest thing to owning a piece of history that still breathes fire and flies.