Built in 1987 as N6WJ, Precious Metal is a Griffon Powered Mustang in the tradition of the RB51 “The Red Baron”. Originally built by Don Whittington of World Jet, Inc, he adapted a Rolls Royce Griffon engine formally used in the Miss Budweiser Unlimited Hydroplane racing boat into the airframe. It made its debut at the Reno Air Races on September 12, 1988 under the name of “Precious Metal”. On September 18, 1988, during the Gold Race he blew the engine and performed a safe gear up landing in the aircraft. Afterwards, the aircraft did not race for many years.

In 2000, the aircraft was purchased by Ron Buccarelli of Lake Air, Inc in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He performed service on her and returned to race her on September 15, 2001 at the Reno Air Races. The Races were canceled due to the 911 tragedy. In 2002, Ron raced her and placed 4th in the Unlimited Silver Race at 381 mph.
Pictures of her can be found here http://www.pylon1.org/articles/publis...