WIX Archives

Re: As their value rises...?

Posted by Rob Mears on Wed Nov 26, 2003 11:30:06 AM

In reply top As their value rises...? posted by bdk on Tue Nov 25, 2003 02:12:24 PM

You have to admit that in the relative spectrum of general public opinion the Mig-15 is considered slightly more historically significant than say a PV-2 Harpoon, and definitely the Fouga.

I think it might be just a little short sighted to resign the Mig-15 to the "throw away" pile just because it doesn't have a propeller on its nose :) Availability and attrition are the only two factors standing in the way of the future increase in the Mig-15's perceived value, or that of any warbird or collectible for that matter.

Your post is scarily reminiscent of the attitude shared by the general majority during the 1950s/60s - just before the critical mass of the warbird movement really began to illuminate the true value of the WWII-era combat aircraft. I can also remember the days when the reality of a T-38 Talon, F-4 Phantom, or even an F-104 Starfighter ending up operating in the private sector was ridiculous to even contemplate.

IMO the initial flash of curiosity over the Mig was based on the simple fact that their nonexistence in the Western market was replaced by a deluge of airframes over a short period of time. It was the "cheap new toy" for anyone willing to pass up buying a new Corvette to acquire an inexpensive fighter import. The newness of their intrigue dulled because of the relatively large amount of surplus airframes imported over a short period of time and the "entry level jet" status they inherited because of the low cost of acquiring one.

As with any warbird, supply and demand will ultimately dictate how hot an item they will become. My understanding as related in my original post is that there are effectively no more early Migs available for export to Western countries. If that's the case, even the blind would be hesitant to place a glass ceiling over the Mig's potential value given its historical significance.

Of course that's just my opinion ;)

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