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This is the newest edition to diverse collection at the Martin Auto Museum and Event Center and is certain to be a favorite of our young visitors. This original miniature jet was 1 of 2 built by the US Air Force in the early 1970s as a recruiting tool. It is modeled on the Northrop T-38 two-seat twinjet supersonic jet trainer and is made of sheet metal. This custom mini jet also bears the USAF Thunderbird #2 badging and livery.
The full-size T-38 Talon entered service in 1961 as the world's first supersonic trainer, and many of the 1,180 jets that were built remain in service today. More than 72,000 Air Force pilots have flown the T-38 since the 1960s.
Glendale Major drove this in the Christmas Parade.
Our founder and Chairman Mel Martin (and one-time licensed pilot) purchased this unique mini jet at Mecum Auction in Glendale in 2022. The proceeds benefited the Mini Jet Air Force, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to take Mini Jets to children who are fighting Cancer, Leukemia or have Down Syndrome, Autism, or physical disabilities.
Working 5 horsepower overhead valve engine
Wings fold for transport
Only 1 of 2 known to exist
Muscle & Speed / 1960–1979
More from the collection.
1960 Ford Fairlane “The Spaceliner” Custom Concept
1960 Frontenac Falcon Ranchero
1961 Chevrolet Corvette C1 Convertible
1963 Chevrolet Bel Air 5th Gen.
1963 Chevrolet Corvette Split Window C2
1963 Chrysler 300 Pace Setter Convertible
1963 Ford Galaxie 500/XL Convertible
1964 Chevrolet Impala SS Convertible
1964 Ford Thunderbird Convertible (4th Generation)
1965 Dodge Coronet A/FX Kentucky Colonels
