Messerschmitt Bf 109G-6/R-3, WNr. 163824
History
After the conclusion of World War II, the British captured Bf 109G-6 163824 at the Eggebeck airfield in northern Germany. The aircraft was subsequently shipped to the United Kingdom for evaluation and was assigned the serial AM222. In 1946, it was crated and sent to Australia, along with a Messerschmitt Me 163 Komet, as a gift to the Australian government in recognition of its contribution to the air war in Europe.
Upon arrival, the aircraft was stored at RAAF Laverton in Victoria for several years before being transferred to the Australian War Memorial in 1955. In 1963, it was sold to a private owner, who later displayed it at Bankstown Airport in New South Wales. The aircraft was subsequently sold to the United Kingdom in 1979 but was seized by Australian Customs due to export restrictions and misrepresentation of the aircraft's identity. After legal proceedings, the AWM reacquired the aircraft in 1988.
Bf 109G-6 163824 is the only known example of the aircraft still displaying its original wartime camouflage and markings. The aircraft's paintwork has been preserved, with minimal restoration to maintain its authenticity.