Precious Metal Racing Plane (Unusual Aircraft Collection)

"Precious Metal" is a highly modified P-51 Mustang fighter which competes at the Reno Air Races in Nevada.

In spite of appearances, Precious Metal doesn't have a six-bladed propeller.   Instead, it has two separate propellers which turn in opposite directions!   The engine which drives these contra-rotating propellers has also been changed from the standard Rolls-Royce or Packard Merlin to a more powerful Rolls-Royce Griffon.

In some ways, Precious Metal is a throwback to early models of the Mustang, which had a raised back.   Later, these were replaced with a low back and a "bubble" canopy like the one on the F-16 Fighting Falcon.   However, to improve aerodynamics for racing, this type of canopy was removed and replaced with the old style of back.   However, unlike other modified P-51s on the racing circuit, Precious Metal has the original style of radiator cooling scoop under the fuselage, which degrades performance significantly.