1952 Harvard T-6 Texan – A Refurbished Warbird Icon

Few aircraft carry the same aura of history, performance, and timeless appeal as the North American Harvard T-6 Texan. Known across the globe as the advanced trainer that prepared generations of military pilots for combat, the Harvard remains one of the most sought-after warbirds in civilian hands today. This particular example—a 1952 Canadian Car & Foundry Harvard Mk IV, registration N5101W—represents one of the finest on the market. With a professionally rebuilt engine, low-time propeller, Redline brakes, and a mint-condition airframe, it is a recent refurbishment that balances performance, reliability, and value.

As this warbird prepares to cross the auction block, it offers discerning collectors and pilots an opportunity to own a pristine piece of aviation history that is as ready to fly as it is to display.

History of the Harvard T-6 Texan

The T-6 Texan’s origins trace back to the late 1930s, when North American Aviation (NAA) developed a rugged, reliable advanced trainer to prepare pilots for the faster, more complex fighters of World War II. Designated the AT-6 by the U.S. Army Air Corps and SNJ by the U.S. Navy, the aircraft quickly earned a reputation as the “Pilot Maker.”

Internationally, the aircraft became known as the Harvard, particularly in Commonwealth service, where it was built under license by companies such as Canadian Car & Foundry (CCF). Between all manufacturers, over 15,000 examples were produced, making it one of the most prolific military trainers of the 20th century.

Its role was indispensable: the Harvard’s handling characteristics demanded precision, teaching fledgling aviators the discipline required before stepping into frontline fighters like the P-51 Mustang, Spitfire, or F4U Corsair. With a 600-horsepower Pratt & Whitney R-1340 radial engine, the Harvard provided enough power and complexity to challenge pilots without being unforgiving.

Even after WWII, the Harvard continued to serve in air forces around the world, with many remaining in frontline training roles into the 1950s and 1960s. Its rugged design and proven reliability helped it endure as both a military and civilian favorite.

Canadian Car & Foundry – A Legacy in Aviation

Canadian Car & Foundry (CCF), headquartered in Fort William, Ontario, was instrumental in Canadian aviation production during WWII and beyond. Founded in 1909, CCF initially specialized in railcars and industrial equipment but expanded into aviation to support the Allied war effort.

During the conflict, CCF produced Hawker Hurricanes under license, playing a critical role in supplying aircraft for Commonwealth forces. Postwar, the company transitioned to licensed production of the Harvard Mk IV, continuing the legacy of the T-6 while helping Canada and its allies maintain strong pilot training pipelines.

The Harvard Mk IV represented one of the later evolutions of the T-6 family, benefiting from refinements in systems and construction. CCF-built Harvards were well-regarded for their craftsmanship and remain highly desirable among collectors today.

Uses of the Harvard T-6 Texan

The T-6 served a variety of missions beyond training:

• Advanced Pilot Training: Its primary role was to teach advanced handling, aerobatics, gunnery, formation flying, and navigation.
  
• Weapons Training: Harvards were equipped with gun mounts and bomb racks for simulated combat exercises.
  
• Forward Air Control: Some T-6s were adapted as FAC aircraft, directing airstrikes during conflicts such as Korea and Vietnam.
  
• Postwar Civilian Roles: After military service, many Harvards entered the civilian market. They became fixtures at airshows, in movies, and as warbird collectibles.
  

Today, the Harvard is prized for its balance of performance, history, and presence. It offers a visceral flying experience: the roar of the radial engine, responsive controls, and unmistakable lines make every flight a step back into aviation’s golden era.

This Aircraft – 1952 Harvard Mk IV, N5101W

This particular Harvard Mk IV, built by Canadian Car & Foundry in 1952, is an exceptionally well-preserved and recently refurbished example. It combines low-time mechanical components with a carefully maintained airframe and a striking period-correct paint scheme. For buyers seeking a warbird that blends showpiece quality with operational reliability, N5101W stands out.

Airframe

• Year/Model: 1952 Canadian Car & Foundry Harvard Mk IV
  
• Registration: N5101W
  
• Serial Number: 192
  
• Total Time: 4,141 hours
  
• Fuel Capacity: 140 gallons
  
• Useful Load: 1,459 lbs
  
• Range: 730 nm
  
• Stall Speed: 72 knots clean, 64 knots with flaps
  
• Cruise Speed: 126 knots
  

The airframe is in mint condition—a rare statement in the warbird world. With no known corrosion, gaps, or missing logbooks, the aircraft’s documentation is complete and its structure has been meticulously cared for. A Condition Inspection dated December 15, 2024 ensures it is ready for continued service.

Engine

• Make/Model: Pratt & Whitney R-1340AN-1
  
• Horsepower: 600 hp
  
• Serial Number: 9063
  
• SMOH: 77 hours
  
• Overhaul Location: Tulsa Aircraft Engines, Inc.
  
• Overhaul Date: November 17, 2000
  
• Installed: November 15, 2015
  

The Pratt & Whitney R-1340 is legendary for durability and power. With only 77 hours since major overhaul, this engine is essentially fresh, offering strong, reliable performance for years to come. Overhauled by a professional rebuilder, it represents one of the cleanest examples available today.

Propeller

• Make/Model: Hamilton Standard 12D40, Two-Blade Aluminum
  
• SMOH: 77 hours
  
• Overhaul Date: January 7, 2003
  
• Installed: November 23, 2015
  

The Hamilton Standard 12D40 complements the radial perfectly, delivering efficient thrust and crisp responsiveness. Like the engine, it is low-time since overhaul and in excellent condition.

Avionics

Front Cockpit:

• Dual Narco Com 81 TSO
  
• Narco AT-150 Transponder
  
• Narco CP 136 TSO
  
• Dual Narco Nav 825 TSO
  
• Narco DME 890
  
• Narco SDF 841 TSO
  
• Dual Narco VOR/LOC/GS Indicators
  
• Garmin GDL-82
  
• Full primary flight instruments including airspeed, altimeter, VSI, attitude, heading, and engine gauges
  

Rear Cockpit:

• Redundant instrumentation for training and safety, including airspeed, altimeter, VSI, heading, and engine monitoring gauges
  

While not IFR-capable, the avionics suite provides solid VFR capability with reliable redundancy for dual-pilot operations.

Exterior

The aircraft wears a U.S. Navy “Yellow Wings” Harvard 4 Scheme. Its gray fuselage, accented with red, is complemented by yellow, red, black, and gray wings. The result is a head-turning, historically resonant livery that both honors its military roots and stands out on any ramp.

Interior

Inside, the Harvard features a green and black cockpit with matching cushions. True to its military roots, the cockpit is functional and purposeful, offering excellent visibility and an authentic warbird feel.

Additional Features

• Redline Brakes for reliable stopping power
  
• Airwolf Oil Filter Kit for improved engine longevity
  
• Two parachutes included for safety and authenticity
  
• Complete logs with no gaps or missing entries
  
• No corrosion and no known flaws
  

This aircraft also has recorded incident history (March 1996 and July 1998), fully documented in logbooks. The repairs were properly completed, and the airframe remains in mint condition.

Auction Information

This Harvard will be sold through Airspace Auctions:

• Auction Dates: September 17–24, 2025
  
• Location: Peachtree City, Georgia
  
• Starting Bid: $100,000
  
• Buyer Premium: 6%
  
• Deposit Required: $4,000
  
• Contact: Matt Hutton
  

Given its condition, low-time engine and prop, and professional refurbishment, this Harvard is expected to attract strong interest from collectors and warbird enthusiasts alike.

Why This Harvard Stands Out

Many T-6s on the market today show their age, with higher-time engines, incomplete records, or cosmetic wear. N5101W is different:

• Professionally rebuilt engine and prop with just 77 hours since overhaul
  
• Airframe in mint condition with no corrosion
  
• Striking Yellow Wings paint scheme
  
• Redline brakes and additional upgrades for safety and reliability
  

For buyers seeking a warbird that is both a showpiece and a flyer, this aircraft delivers unmatched value and performance.

Conclusion

The 1952 Canadian Car & Foundry Harvard Mk IV (N5101W) represents a rare opportunity to acquire a pristine, recently refurbished warbird that combines rich history with modern reliability. With a low-time engine, overhauled prop, and mint-condition airframe, it offers both confidence in the air and pride on the ramp.

As it heads to auction in September 2025, this Harvard will appeal to pilots, collectors, and investors alike—anyone who values aviation history coupled with dependable performance. It stands as proof that a properly refurbished warbird can provide not only nostalgia but also enduring operational excellence.

Specifications and/or descriptions are provided as introductory information only and do not constitute representations or warranties. Verification of specifications remains the sole responsibility of the purchaser.