The P-40 Warhawk was not the best American fighter when the United States entered the World War II, but if it was the most numerous type available in large-scale production. The P-40 was among the most ubiquitous fighter plane. It was the third most-produced American fighter, after the P-51 and P-47. The P-40 was easy to build and maintain and it offered the additional advantage of low cost, which kept it in production as a ground-attack aircraft long after it was obsolete as a fighter. The P-40 saw combat in many war theaters, in wide variety of climactic conditions and served in many different Allied air arms.

Curtiss P-40M, serial number 43-5802 for sale

The P-40 Kittyhawk was the name for models equivalent to the P-40D and all later variants like the P-40M. The P-40M was basically similar to the P‑40K series, with the primary visual difference being a cooling inlet on each side of the nose ahead of the exhaust stacks, and a radio antenna mast. It used the Allison V-1710-18 engine, rated at 1200 hp for takeoff and 1125 hp at 17,300 feet. The 600 P‑40Ms produced were almost all destined for Lend‑Lease, and the airplane was known in the RAF and the Commonwealth Air Forces with whom it served as the Kittyhawk III., the contract being approved on August 24, 1942. The first P-40M appeared in November, 1942. 

Curtiss P-40M, serial number 43-5802 for sale

The P-40M for sale with serial number 43-5802 belongs to the third production block, which featured with revised undercarriage warning systems and fuel system changes. This P-40M was manufactured in October 1943 and assigned to a RCAF squadron as serial no. 840. She subsequently flew with a number of RCAF squadrons, amassing a total of only 732 hours in military service. The aircraft was retired in 1950 and moved to Oregon State University to act as an instructional aircraft. Following a long period of storage at Troutdale Airport, Oregon. She has had many owners during her life military service. 

Curtiss P-40M, serial number 43-5802 for sale

An curiosity about this aircraft is that she took part in filming for the movie ‘Red Tails’ which was released in January 2012. Today, the aircraft represents P-40N-1 Warhawk 44-2104590, "Lulu Belle", flown by 2nd Lieutenant Philip R. Adair, a pilot with the United States Army Air Force's 89th Fighter Squadron, 80th Fighter Group of the 10th Air Force in the China Burma India Theater.

This example is for sale via www.platinumfighters.com

Courtesy George Land

Courtesy MUSTANG_P51