Watch Chilling Cold Starts of 17 Legendary WWII-Era Warplanes

Reviving the Sounds of Warbirds

This video brings together rare footage of 17 legendary World War II-era aircraft as they fire up their engines from a cold start. These warplanes, once the backbone of wartime air power, are now carefully restored and preserved as flying museum pieces. They include famous fighters and bombers like the P-47 Thunderbolt, Spitfire, P-38 Lightning, and F4U Corsair.

The clips capture the real engine sounds, raw propwash, and smoke—without background music—so viewers can appreciate the mechanical force of these planes. It’s a rare chance to hear these machines come alive, just as they did before taking off for missions eight decades ago.

A Tribute to Preservation and Sound

This compilation focuses on the details of startup: from the first crank of the engine to the steady rumble as the aircraft warms up. Each clip is selected to highlight the unique engine tone and motion of each plane. The Spitfire’s smooth Merlin engine, the Bearcat’s deep growl, and the P-40’s distinctive start are all included.

The video is created not just as entertainment, but also as an educational resource for those interested in aviation history and sound design. It transforms original footage with careful sequencing and added informational value under fair use. The result is a respectful tribute to these machines and the people who keep them flying.

All aircraft footage comes from dedicated aviation content creators who help preserve these planes. These warbirds, now worth millions, once served in critical roles across the skies of Europe, the Pacific, and beyond. Now, through restoration and careful filming, they continue to educate new generations about their role in history, simply by starting up and running once more.

Keep going for the video below: