It is worth $4million, it is one of just five in the world and it should be ready to fly for the first time in Wanaka at any moment.
The Messerschmitt Bf-109, owned by aircraft restorer John Romain (pictured), was being assembled at Wanaka Airport yesterday.
It has been shipped from its home at Duxford, England, especially for the Warbirds Over Wanaka Air Show, where Mr Romain will fly it three times on each of the show days.
Mr Romain said yesterday his Messerschmitt had a German-built airframe and a Rolls-Royce Merlin engine, and first flew for the Spanish Air Force after World War 2.
It also featured in the Battle of Britain film.
Mr Romain said the Messerschmitt was a lovely aircraft to fly, and because it was something everyone wanted to see, it was kept very busy at airshows in Britain.
