Cold War Military Aircraft Auction in Wyoming Starts at Just $25

A rare and unusual auction is underway in northern Wyoming, where a collection of retired Cold War–era military aircraft is being sold strictly “as is,” with no expectation of returning to flight. Among the highlights is a Lockheed P-2 Neptune, once a mainstay of maritime patrol and anti-submarine missions. I recall dining at Switzerland’s Geneva Airport in a restaurant where the bar was built into a dismantled Breguet Atlantique 2 (ATL2)—the French-designed successor to the Neptune. Now grounded in a boneyard in Big Horn County, about 85 miles east of Yellowstone, the Neptune is just one of more than a dozen historic relics awaiting new owners.

The planes have become county assets following a legal battle over unpaid land leases. When the original lessee failed to move or maintain them, Big Horn County seized the aircraft via a storage lien and, after Wyoming’s Supreme Court approved, placed them up for auction. The auction is conducted through Public Surplus, with starting bids as low as $25 for some airframes.

What’s on Offer

The selection is eclectic and evocative of aviation’s Cold War era. Among the types listed are:

Lockheed P-2 Neptune: a land-based maritime patrol aircraft used extensively during the Cold War era.
Fairchild C-119 “Flying Boxcar”: known for its distinctive twin-boom layout, often used for cargo or paratroop operations.
Boeing KC-97 Stratofreighter: the military transport version of the Boeing 377 airliner, used for refueling and cargo.
Martin 4-0-4: a post-war airliner that saw military and civilian use, among others.
A Lockheed C-130 was also mentioned as part of the lot, though likely non-flying and in display condition.

That said, not all airframes are complete. Some are missing wings, stabilizers, or structural sections; others are essentially stripped fuselages. “Some are intact, while others are just fuselages with parts removed,” said Paul Thur, the Big Horn County Airport manager. He added that none are expected to return to flyable condition.

Who’s Bidding & Why

Collectors, museums, restoration shops, and aviation enthusiasts are paying attention. Thur noted a steady stream of inquiries about the auction and permission to visit the Greybull boneyard in person. Museums may acquire these aircraft as static displays or parts donors; enthusiasts might salvage rare components or use them as hangar-queens for restoration. But all buyers must accept the condition: “as is,” with no guarantee of airworthiness.

Given the very low starting prices, the real cost is likely to be in transport, restoration (if applicable), and compliance with regulations for static display or preservation.

Historical & Technical Note: The Neptune

The P-2 Neptune (originally designated P2V) was a workhorse of maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare for the U.S. Navy, first flown in 1945 and introduced in 1947. It replaced earlier patrol types and was later succeeded by the P-3 Orion. Some versions were modified for special roles, including electronic reconnaissance or maritime surveillance.

Although the Neptune was never intended for carrier operations, a few were repurposed with JATO (jet-assisted takeoff) for situations requiring shore-based operations in constrained environments.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, Popular Science, Cowboy State Daily