This particular T-33 was produced in 1958, and served in the USAF until 1976 when it was sold to Yugoslavia. It was active in the Yugoslav Air Force until 1986 when it was sold into private hands in the US. Fowler's late partner, Randall Hames, purchased the T-33 in 1990 while it was still disassembled and began an extensive 2 1/2 year restoration. The airframe and engine were totally overhauled, and the distinctive USAF Thunderbird paint scheme added.
