Bell P-63C KingCobra fighter project

For Sale: Rare Bell P-63C Kingcobra WWII Fighter Project

An exceptional opportunity to acquire a genuine WWII Bell P-63C Kingcobra, untouched since 1945 and steeped in Eastern Front history.

Built in 1943 by Bell Aircraft in the United States, this aircraft was transferred to the Soviet Union under the Lend-Lease program via the Alaska–Siberia (ALSIB) route, in accordance with the 1943 agreement to bolster Soviet forces against Japan after victory in Europe.

This Kingcobra saw combat during the Soviet invasion of Manchuria (Operation August Storm) in August 1945 — where 1.5 million Soviet troops crushed Japanese resistance across Manchuria and Korea. It was likely based at Shumshu Island in the Kurils and may have participated in the Battle of Shumshu, one of the final air battles of WWII.

The aircraft, serial 44-4368, was recovered from Shumshu in 2003 and has been stored in the UK since.

Included:

• Original Allison V-1710 engine (with water-methanol injection, 1800hp)

• Original radiators, oil cooler

• Main landing gear legs

• Both wings

• Fuselage forward of the tail

The rear fuselage and empennage were missing when recovered.

A painted number "3" and Cyrillic graffiti — loosely translated as "Stalin ordered to burn" — remain visible on the port forward fuselage. Whether authentic wartime nose art or post-combat crew graffiti, it adds a unique human element to this aircraft’s combat history.

A Historic Restoration Candidate

With fewer than a dozen known P-63s surviving worldwide — and less than a handful airworthy — this Kingcobra represents an incredible restoration or museum display opportunity.

Whether you envision a static tribute build, museum centrepiece, or eventually returning this 420mph WW2/Cold War-era fighter to flight, this is an unmatched WWII project for serious collectors or institutions.

Location: United Kingdom
Exported legally from Russia in 2003 (unlikely to occur ever again)
Asking $75.000 USD ono
World wide shipping is available