Not so long ago the same situation existed in the car/auto restoration world: it is only recently that the fact of “it’s only original once” has sunk in. But it depends on the type and its provenance. If this P-40 had an unexceptional story (subjective in itself), then maybe a restoration would have been justified. But this one was very different in many ways. The same comparison could be made between a car in original condition with Targa Florio history and a Hillman Avenger.
What does worry me is that this historic machine is being displayed outside and in less than ideal conditions. I can only hope that it finds itself indoors soon and that one day in the future some cutting-edge technology might be able to undo what has been done.
I’d imagine that there is minimal chance of finding its hapless pilot, so his memorial deserves a much more respectful display.
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