Messerschmitt BF 109G-6 "Capt. Constantin Cantacuzino" W.Nr.166133, Italy, 27th August 1944

Hobby Master 1:48 HA8767

The Messerschmitt Bf 109G-6 W.Nr.166133, flown by Capt. Constantin “Bâzu” Cantacuzino in Italy on August 27, 1944, represents one of the most fascinating episodes of World War II aviation and one of Romania’s most celebrated fighter pilots.

Constantin Cantacuzino was one of the leading Romanian fighter aces of the war. Already an accomplished pilot before the conflict, he distinguished himself on the Eastern Front flying aircraft including the Bf 109G, becoming one of the most famous pilots of the Royal Romanian Air Force.

The story of this particular aircraft took an extraordinary turn in August 1944. Following Romania’s break with the Axis, Cantacuzino was assigned an unusual mission: fly American Lieutenant Colonel James A. Gunn III, a former prisoner of war, to Allied forces in Italy to establish direct contact.

Since the Bf 109 was a single-seat fighter, Gunn was improvised a position inside the fuselage behind the pilot. On August 27, 1944, Cantacuzino made the remarkable flight from Romania to Foggia, Italy, aboard Bf 109G-6 W.Nr.166133.

After arriving in Italy, the Messerschmitt received large U.S. star insignia to prevent Allied forces from mistaking it for an enemy aircraft. Cantacuzino subsequently returned to Romania flying an American P-51B Mustang, helping guide transport aircraft involved in the evacuation of Allied prisoners of war.

Recreated in impressive 1:48 scale by Hobby Master, HA8767 captures W.Nr.166133 in its remarkable August 27, 1944 Italian configuration, complete with its highly unusual markings.

A Romanian Bf 109 wearing American stars, flown by a legendary ace on an extraordinary mission to Italy—few WWII aircraft have a story quite like this one. A standout centerpiece for World War II aviation and Hobby Master collectors.

Hobby Master "1:48 Air Power Series" diecast airplanes feature:

• Molded metal construction with plastic components.
• Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
• Inscriptions and posters printed with a stamp that do not fade or fall off like decals.
• opening of awnings, revealing detailed within the cockpit.
• Extended / retracted interchangeable landing gear.
• Display stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
• Authentic detachable artillery cargoes complete with placards.