Rare WWII Fighter Aircraft Up for Sale By Private Collector in Australia

Two of the most historically significant and sought-after military aircraft from World War II have been put on the market and are set to be sold through an “international tender.” Owned by a private Australian collector, the Messerschmitt Bf 109 E1 W.NR 3579 and the Hispano HA-1112-M4L Buchón ‘Red 11’ represent a pinnacle of aviation heritage.

The sale offers collectors and institutions a rare opportunity to own aircraft that are not merely static museum pieces, but complex machines of historical importance with verified documentation and restoration records.

The Messerschmitt Bf 109 E1: A Rare Survivor

The Messerschmitt Bf 109 is widely considered one of the most iconic and consequential fighter aircraft of the 20th century. However, due to the intensity of combat operations and the attrition rates of World War II, original airframes have become incredibly scarce. Experts believe that only two or three authentic, German-built Bf 109s exist in the world today.

The aircraft offered, W.NR 3579, is an artifact of that period. Its current condition is the result of a comprehensive, high-standard restoration focused on long-term preservation and historical accuracy. The aircraft is moving toward a return to active flight. Its original Daimler-Benz engine, which has undergone specialist refurbishment in Germany, is currently being prepared for reinstallation.

Unlike many surviving examples on static display, this Bf 109 is positioned to become one of the few original models capable of sustained flight.

The ‘Red 11’ Buchón: A Cinematic Icon

Complementing the Messerschmitt is the Hispano HA-1112-M4L Buchón, known affectionately as ‘Red 11.’ While the aircraft carries its own historical weight, it holds a unique place in popular culture as the star of the 1968 classic film, The Battle of Britain.

During the filming of the epic production, the aircraft was piloted by none other than legendary Luftwaffe ace Adolf Galland, who served as a technical advisor for the movie. The Buchón was a Spanish-built variant of the Messerschmitt 109, powered by a Rolls-Royce Merlin engine. Its role in the 1968 film cemented its status as a screen icon, making it a highly desirable piece for aviation enthusiasts and film historians alike. Like its counterpart, ‘Red 11’ enters the market with a fully documented service and restoration history, ensuring that its legacy is as verifiable as it is storied.