Note to editors: The press is cordially invited to be present Wednesday morning, Oct. 26, as the jet is delivered and reassembled. Delivery and reassembly is expected to be ongoing between 9 a.m. and noon. Delivery timing updates can be provided upon request. Contact information for members of the donating family also is available upon request.

 

For immediate release

 

 

Contact: Brian Grams, director, Volo Auto Museum

815-385-3644; brian@volocars.com

 

French military trainer jet aims for Volo Auto Museum

 
VOLO — With its distinctive V-tail design and history as a nimble French military trainer, the Fouga CM-170 Magister has been a sought-after jet among experimental aircraft enthusiasts.
 
Built in the 1950s and used until the French Air Force chose a new trainer in the 1960s, the sleek two-seaters became available for civil ownership upon their retirement. With fewer than 1,000 ever built, they’re rare birds. And if seeing one up close would set your imagination soaring, you can throttle up soon at the Volo Auto Museum — thanks to a generous donation.
 
“A Texas woman reached out to us,” said Brian Grams, director of the museum at 27582 Volo Village Road. “This was her father’s jet. He passed away in 2012, and the jet has more sentimental value to her than cash value.
 
“She wanted it to go somewhere where it would be preserved,” he continued. “She saw us featured on a TV show called ‘Small Towns, Big Deals,’ and she decided that we were that place.”
 
The museum is paying to disassemble, transport and reassemble the aircraft for display near the walkway between Showroom 4 and the food court. The jet is scheduled to arrive from Beaumont, Texas, Wednesday morning, Oct. 26.
 
Lorraine Watkins Davenport is the daughter of the plane’s former owner, businessman Bill Watkins. 
 
“We chose to donate it so that others could enjoy it and our father’s legacy would be shared,” she said. “We have full faith that Volo will treat it with respect and continue to honor our father’s legacy for years to come.”
 
Grams said he is excited about the new display, which will bring to three the number of complete military aircraft on the grounds — including a Harrier and a Huey.
 
“It just goes to show you never know what you’ll see here. Yes, we have amazing cars and lots of them, but there’s so much more,” Grams said. “No matter what your interests are, chances are you’ll spy something that fuels your passion.”
 
The Volo Auto Museum is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. It features roughly 400 classic, antique, muscle and Hollywood cars and more. Admission is $15 for adults, $9 for children ages 5 to 12 and free for children 4 and younger. For other information, call 815-385-3644 or find Volo Auto Museum on Facebook.
 

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Photos provided (photos taken during disassembly in Beaumont, Texas)

Suggested caption: A donated Fouga CM-170 Magister is en route to the Volo Auto Museum at 27582 Volo Village Road. The rare French fighter training jet is one of fewer than 1,000 built and will be on view after it is reassembled onsite Wednesday, Oct. 26.