RAF Harrier and Tornado jets auctioned with no reserve

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-northamptonshire-28459093

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Two ex-RAF jets could find their way into private collectors' hands after being put up for sale with no reserve.

A 1976 Hawker Siddeley Harrier GR3 jump-jet and a 1988 Panavia Tornado F3 are being sold at Silverstone Auctions in Northamptonshire this weekend.

The Harrier, which served during the Cold War and in the Falklands, is in almost flight-worthy condition and comes complete with ejector seat.

Auctioneers said it was a "unique opportunity" to acquire "RAF history".

The auction firm said the Harrier was preserved in "almost time-capsule conditions" and had "serious potential for a future return to flight".

It said this was likely to be the only time a Tornado F3 was offered for auction as the entire fleet had either been scrapped or was in museums.

No guide prices have been offered for the jets as their rarity makes cost "nearly impossible to gauge", it added.

Nick Whale, managing director, said: "We've never offered anything like this before and it's a privilege to be able to offer one of, if not the finest, Harrier in the world.

"We've sold an eclectic range of historic vehicles in the past but these really are some of the most exciting yet."