This Douglas-built B-17 spent many years on a civil career in Bolivia, starting in 1957 as CP-627. It crashlanded at La Paz in Aug 1968 and was rebuilt using major parts from another civil B-17 (CP-580 c/n 9300), effectively changing it into a composite airframe. After repairs it became CP-891 and continued to operate from La Paz until its delivery to the March Field Air Museum in Oct 1981. It was initially given the fake serial "230092", but in 1999 it was repainted with its actual former serial, seen in this photo. This nice "Return to Glory" nose art is only carried on this side.

This Douglas-built B-17 spent many years on a civil career in Bolivia, starting in 1957 as CP-627. It crashlanded at La Paz in Aug 1968 and was rebuilt using major parts from another civil B-17 (CP-580 c/n 9300), effectively changing it into a composite airframe. After repairs it became CP-891 and continued to operate from La Paz until its delivery to the March Field Air Museum in Oct 1981. It was initially given the fake serial "230092", but in 1999 it was repainted with its actual former serial, seen in this photo. The nose art is only carried on the left side.

Built by Douglas at Long Beach. Operated in Europe as a VB-17G in late WW2. Flew in Bolivia 1956/80 as CP-627 and CP-891. Now preserved at March AFB.

Stripped of its last paint, it's now ready for a makeover at the March Field Air Museum

Recently returned by museum volunteers to her 1944 'Starduster' scheme when she served in the Mediterranean theatre as the command transport for Gen. Ira Eaker. For a B-17 'Starduster' had a long post-WWII service life with thw USAF before being SOC and placed into storage. She was rescued from the desert by the Bolivian Govt., for which she served a further 25 years before returning to the US for display at the March Field Air Museum.