My Favorite WW1 Topic~~

[sheepherder]

Originally Posted by GySgt1811

...and WW2's Folgories (Please pardon my very bad Italian spelling ) were flying Ferrari's!

I had to pull out my Illustrated History Of Fighters to try to find that one; I would have to say the G.55 Centauro [Fiat], the C.200 [Machi], the C.202 Folgore [Machi], and the Re 2001 Reggiane were all handsome mono-wing Italian fighter aircraft of WW II.

Many years ago, I read a fascinating article in Vintage Motorsport [IIRC] about the son of an Italian aeronautical engineer who rose to fame & fortune here in the US in the 50's/60's and had a replica of a 1959 Ferrari Testa Rossa built using original leftover parts, damaged cast-offs, a boat engine [from an original Testa Rossa], hand hammered 'new' parts, using the original tree stump forms used back in the 50's, a taxi chassis/brakes/suspension...All period pieces or made by the original craftsmen using their tools and fixtures...No expense was spared...Retro Italian craftmanship...

IIRC, the father was brought here by Howard Hughes to assist in the war effort after Italy capitulated...It seems Hughes had connections and whenever an Axis aircraft was captured, it was brought back for Hughes Aircraft to test and evaluate...I do remember they mentioned the ME262 painted in USAAF colors and actually flown here...