Additional Coverage:
- ‘Pawn Stars’ boss Rick Harrison loses out on a fighter jet because he refused to pay $5,000 more (marketrealist.com)
Pawn Stars’ Rick Harrison Passes on Vintage WWII Fighter Jet Over $5,000
It’s not every day a military aircraft rolls into a pawn shop, even one as iconic as the “Pawn Stars” establishment. But that’s exactly what happened when Rick Harrison and his crew got a shot at owning a piece of World War II history: a 1942 North American AT-6 Texan. Despite its impressive pedigree, the deal ultimately stalled over a mere $5,000 difference, leaving a rare piece of aviation history out of the Harrisons’ collection.
The unlikely find was initially brought to the attention of the Harrisons by none other than Chumlee. While Rick and Corey initially passed on checking it out, the vintage trainer, used to hone the skills of pilots during both WWII and the Korean War, proved to be in remarkable condition. The owner even shared that it once sported 30-caliber guns on its wings for combat training.
Corey Harrison, ever the enthusiast, couldn’t resist hopping into the cockpit. He was reportedly surprised by the spacious interior, a stark contrast to its external appearance, and noted the presence of a roll cage designed to protect pilots during ground mishaps. The seller, clearly proud of his unique offering, initially sought a hefty $185,000 for the piece of aviation history.
Recognizing the rarity and value of such an item, the Harrisons called in an expert: a seasoned naval pilot with 18 years of experience. Though accustomed to modern jets, the expert was thoroughly impressed by the Texan’s condition.
The only way to truly gauge its worth, he insisted, was to take it for a spin. After a thrilling flight, complete with loops and barrel rolls, the expert confirmed the plane flew better than expected, valuing it at $170,000.
However, he also highlighted the significant ongoing costs: approximately $1,000 a month for hangar space and essential maintenance to keep the aircraft flight-ready.
Armed with this information, Rick Harrison, known for his shrewd negotiations, made his final offer: $140,000, “not a dime more.” The seller, clearly eager to make a deal, incrementally dropped his price from $165,000, to $157,000, and finally to $145,000.
Yet, the Harrisons held firm. Ultimately, the deal soared away, grounded by a mere $5,000 difference between the final offers.
“I’m shocked that they didn’t take that offer,” the disappointed seller reportedly remarked, leaving viewers to wonder what could have been.