{"product_id":"corgi-1-32-north-american-p-51d-mustang-41-4906-cripes-amighty","title":"CORGI 1\/32 NORTH AMERICAN P-51D MUSTANG 41-4906 \"CRIPES A'MIGHTY\"","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis exceptional CORGI Aviation Archive 1:32 scale diecast model honours one of the most celebrated fighter pilots of the Second World War, capturing George Preddy's distinctively marked P-51D Mustang 'Cripes A'Mighty' in stunning detail. \u003c\/p\u003e\r\u003cp\u003eReady to display straight from the box, this premium collectible showcases the aircraft flown by America's top-scoring Mustang ace during the final months of combat over Europe. \u003c\/p\u003e\r\u003cp\u003eEvery element, from the rotatable propeller to the visible gun bay, has been faithfully recreated to deliver museum-quality authenticity for the discerning collector.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistory\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\u003cp\u003eGeorge Preddy had already established himself as one of the most successful American fighter aces in the European Theatre when he returned from a period of rest to take command of the 328th Fighter Squadron. \u003c\/p\u003e\r\u003cp\u003eHis latest Mustang, 'Cripes A'Mighty', was distinctively presented to reflect his status as an elite pilot. On 23rd December 1944, Preddy flew his squadron to the advanced Allied airfield Y-29 at Ache in Belgium, providing crucial air cover during the Ardennes Offensive.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\u003cp\u003eChristmas Day 1944 would mark Preddy's final mission. Leading his unit against Luftwaffe fighters, he claimed two more Messerschmitt Bf 109Gs in a savage dogfight, though his squadron became scattered in the chaos. Vectored towards another German formation near Liege, Preddy spotted a lone Focke-Wulf flying dangerously low near Allied lines. \u003c\/p\u003e\r\u003cp\u003eAs he pursued at treetop height, American anti-aircraft batteries unleashed everything they had at the enemy fighter. Flying so close behind his target, Preddy's Mustang was caught in the devastating crossfire\u003c\/p\u003e\r\u003cp\u003eAt just 25 years old, the top-scoring P-51 Mustang ace of the European Theatre was killed in a tragic friendly fire incident. His commanding officer, John C. Meyer, remembered him as \"the greatest fighter pilot to have ever squinted through a gunsight, the complete fighter pilot.\" For our tomorrow, he gave his today.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\r\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff0000;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExpected Arrival: 3rd Quarter 2026\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\r\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat's in the Box?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\u003cul\u003e\r\u003cli\u003eDiecast model\u003c\/li\u003e\r\u003cli\u003e1x Cradle\u003c\/li\u003e\r\u003cli\u003e1x Display Base\u003c\/li\u003e\r\u003cli\u003e1x Limited Edition Certificate\u003c\/li\u003e\r\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"CORGI","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45254285787159,"sku":"AA34410","price":320.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0787\/6637\/4935\/files\/AA34410_1.jpg?v=1782875106","url":"https:\/\/www.hobbyvault.com.au\/products\/corgi-1-32-north-american-p-51d-mustang-41-4906-cripes-amighty","provider":"Hobby Vault Co","version":"1.0","type":"link"}