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You Can Own an Iconic Concorde Nose... for $250,000+

June 12, 2019
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2 min read
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You Can Own an Iconic Concorde Nose... for $250,000+
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The most famous and recognizable part of one the world's most famous and iconic aircraft is going up for auction, and it could be yours forever.

The "droop nose" of a test specimen of the Concorde, currently housed in Kansas City, Missouri, will be auctioned off later this month, with auctioneers expecting the item to fetch at least $250,000.

Concorde nose (Photo courtesy Humbert & Ellis Ltd.)

A rare, yet recognizable piece like this from an aircraft type that has not flown for more than 15 years would make an amazing addition to any aviation enthusiast's collection. If you're thinking of bidding, you'll need a pretty big mantlepiece on which to store this — the nose is 25 feet in length.

Despite the logistics of transporting and exhibiting such an unusually shaped and large item, auctioneer Jonathan Humbert told the BBC that the Concorde nose has "already generated global interest", hence the expected high price tag.

(Photo courtesy Humbert & Ellis Ltd.)

While both British Airways and Air France operated the 14 Concordes produced for commercial services, this is a piece from a test specimen from the additional six aircraft produced for development and testing purposes. It did not belong to either of these airlines and is believed to have been manufactured in the 1960s.

If you're interested in the possibility of taking home this piece of aviation history, the auction will take place at The Saleroom in Northamptonshire at 11am UK time on June 20, 2019, by auctioneers Humber & Ellis Ltd. You can also register to bid online here.

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Starting bids have been set at $114,000, with a buyer's premium of 23.4% (including sales tax). The lucky bidder will also be responsible for all transport costs from Missouri. US residents can bid, though payments will only be accepted by bankers draft or money order in pounds sterling.

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Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

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  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
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  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.