William D. Yoak: This one is a giveaway after a closer examination of the photograph at Reno (probably taken in 1976 or 1977). The subject is the former Thunderbird which was owned and raced by Marvin Gardner or Lefty as he is most commonly referred to as in the aviation community. Lefty took first place at Reno in 1976 in the Championship with this aircraft. This was due to the fact that there was some combined attrition among the front runners of this race. The apparent winner became disqualified after crossing the race deadline and the other fast contenders suffered blown engines and other mechanical difficulties.

This Mustang s/n 44-73704 is still registered as N6168C,but was acquired by Louis Shaw of Breckenridge, TX in 1994. It is now in a polished-bare-aluminum state and carries post WW II markings (USAF ).It appears to have received some beautiful detail work as it was judged Best P-51 at the Sun N Fun airshow in 1999. As always, I look forward to having some more Mustang cases to look up.


Mike Meek: Looks like lefty gardners thunderbird N6168C. now owned by louis shaw.looks great all polished with that H prop.


Aaron Olden: That Mustang Who Case 50 is Lefty Gardner's P-51D Thunderbird sorry I don't have fact sheet with s/n and history but I'm sure that's Lefty's Mustang.


Leo Smiley: This is N6168C, SN4473704 When owned by Lefty Gardner and raced as #25 "Thunderbird". Winner of the Unlimited Gold in 1976. Now owned by Lewis Shaw as FF-704.


Chad Veich: Looks to be Lefty's "Thunderbird"