This Messerschmitt ME-109G (Hispano HA-1112 M1L) is the last remaining example of the Messerschmitt family available in original ‘as last flown’ condition. It is part of the Edwards Collection, Wilson Edwards, Big Spring, Texas. The HA-1112-M1L c/n 220 C.4K-152 (N4109G) was used in the movie "Battle of Britain" as "White 5". It's a rare opportunity for collectors or investors.
In 1942, the Spanish government arranged a manufacturing licence with Messerschmitt AG to build the Bf 109G-2, with DB605A engines, propellers, instruments, and weapons to be supplied from Germany. This proved impossible, as Germany was incapable of meeting her own needs, let alone Spain's; in the event, only twenty-five airframes (minus their tails) and not even half the necessary drawings were delivered. Other variants were produced by Spanish government during and after the Second World War.
For sale: Messerschmitt ME-109G (Hispano HA-1112 M1L) [Credit photo: TVR Photography]
When World War II ended, production resumed on the Buchón's and the final variant was the HA-1112-M1L Buchón. It first flew 29 March 1954. The 1112-M1L was equipped with the 1,600 hp Rolls-Royce Merlin 500-45 engine and Rotol propeller, both purchased as surplus from the UK. This engine had a chin intake, that altered the lines of the Bf 109's airframe visually. Its armament consisted of two 20 mm Hispano-Suiza 404/408 cannons and two Oerlikon or Pilatus eight-packs of 80 mm rockets. It remained in service until 27 December 1965. These warbirds were used operationally, and 172 were built.
HA-1112-M1Ls remained in flying condition until the mid-1960s. This made them available for theatrical use, masquerading as Bf 109Es and Gs in movies like Battle of Britain, Der Stern von Afrika, Memphis Belle, and The Tuskegee Airmen.
For sale: Messerschmitt ME-109G (Hispano HA-1112 M1L) [Credit photo: TVR Photography]
Remarkably, Buchons also played the Bf 109's opposition, the Hawker Hurricane, in one scene in Battle of Britain. Sixteen HA-1112-M1L were used in the production of the film. As these aircrafts differed from the variant used in the battle, the Buchons were altered to look more like correct Bf 109Es, adding false machine guns and cannon to the engine cowling, redundant tailplane struts, removing the rounded wingtips, and adding a Luftwaffe livery.
Hispano Aviación HA-1112-M1L in the "Battle Of Britain" movie [Via]
The "Battle Of Britain" movie was filmed in 1968. Wanting as much authenticity as possible, the producers hired British Ace Robert Stanford Tuck and German Ace and former Head of the Luftwaffe, General Adolf Galland as 'Technical Advisors" on the movie to ensure the film flying was as accurate as possible.
An anecdote happened during filming was that Galland took exception to a scene where Kesselring is shown giving the Nazi salute, rather than the standard military salute. Journalist Leonard Mosley witnessed Galland spoiling the shooting and having to be escorted off the set. Galland subsequently threatened to withdraw from the production, warning "dire consequences for the film if the scene stayed in." However, when the finished scene was screened before Galland and his lawyer, he was persuaded to accept the scene after all.
For sale: Messerschmitt ME-109G (Hispano HA-1112 M1L) [Credit photo: TVR Photography]
In May of 1968 filming was moved from England to Tablada Air Base in Spain. During the filming, Adolf Galland convinced the producers to let him make one flight in the dual control Messerschmitt with the Chief Test Pilot for the Spanish Air Force, Commandante Pedro Santa Cruz sitting in the back seat as his instructor. Galland had remained active as a pilot after the war, but this was his first flight in a Messerschmitt since the wars end.
Chief Stunt Pilot Wilson "Connie" Edwards stated that a few days later, after filming concluded for the day, everyone headed to the local bar to unwind and drink a few beers. Moments later they heard a Messerschmitt (s/n 220) take off and climb for altitude.
For sale: Messerschmitt ME-109G (Hispano HA-1112 M1L) [Credit photo: TVR Photography]
Everyone went outside to watch the Messerschmitt fly and it put on "the most impressive aerobatic display I've ever seen in a Messerschmitt". The aircraft came in and landed and only then did they realize that the pilot was none other than General Adolf Galland. This unauthorized flight became Galland's last flight in a Messerschmitt ME-109. The movie producers made sure that Galland was not permitted to fly again during the remainder of the filming.
At the conclusion of filming the production company claiming that they were so far over budget, tried to present Chief Stunt Pilot Wilson ""Connie" Edwards with an IOU for his 9 months of flying on the movie. Not trusting the producers, Edwards negotiated a deal which saw him acquire 16 Messerschmitt 109's as payment for his flying services. Edwards quickly traded two Messerschmitt's for a Spitfire IX that was also used in the movie, and they shipped the Spitfire and 14 Messerschmitt's back to his ranch in West Texas, USA. The aircraft went into deep storage except for the Spitfire and one Messerschmitt, which Edwards had reassembled, and licensed on the US register. The Messerschmitt he chose to license and fly was s/n 220 - the same aircraft which his good friend Adolf Galland had made his last Messerschmitt flight in. Registered as N4109G, s/n 220 was flown by Edwards all over West Texas between 1969-73. In 2015, s/n 220 along with five other Messerschmitts and 2 incomplete projects were sold by Edwards.
For sale: Messerschmitt ME-109G (Hispano HA-1112 M1L) [Credit photo: TVR Photography]
The aircraft is the last remaining example of the Messerschmitt family available in original ‘as last flown’ condition. As such, the window of opportunity to be the proud owner of such an iconic aircraft will be fleeting, he who hesitates will lose! Whatever your background or location, whether an individual or a corporation and no matter if historic aviation appeals or not, those with vision will realize the potential associated with this aircraft given its provenance -whether it purely for future financial appreciation or ‘just’ the prestige of being the proud owner of a slice of aviation history.
Upon completion of the filming of the Battle Of Britain they were disassembled and shipped to Texas where they have been in storage for 45 years.
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