The North American P-51 Mustang was designed to replace the aging P-40 Warhawk as America`s primary fighter aircraft and it proved extremely successful in this role. Nearly 16000 were built and the fighter was used in a military role until 1984. Wi th good range and excellent performance in combat the P-51 was used as America`s primary bomber escort throughout World War II and it saw service in a variety of other roles including ground attack a role that continued to utilize the Mustang well af ter World War II. The P-51 also proved an excellent test platform for a variety of experiments and it was used as a chase plane for other aircraft tests long after it had retired from combat duty in the American Air Force. P-51s were sold to a numbe r of nations worldwide and the last P-51s saw military service in the Dominican Air Force until 1984. The Mustang continues to be used in a variety of civilian roles including air races.This model is a replica of the P-51 "Old Crow" the fighter util ized by U.S. fighter ace Clarence "Bud" Anderson throughout World War II. This model is produced to an exacting detail and is signed by Bud Anderson himself making this model a centerpiece in any collection or standalone display