Italy’s Secret WWII Masterpiece: The Macchi C.205

When we think of the ultimate World War II fighter planes, the Mustang and Spitfire take the spotlight. But Italy engineered a hidden masterpiece that could fight them on strictly equal terms: The Macchi C.205 Veltro.

The Veltro ("Greyhound") was a brilliant fusion of international engineering. Macchi took their aerodynamically flawless Italian airframe and mated it with the legendary German Daimler-Benz DB 605 engine (built under license by Fiat). This 1,475-horsepower V12 pushed the aircraft to 400 MPH, while its exceptionally clean aerodynamics granted it razor-sharp maneuverability.

Finally fixing the firepower issues of earlier Italian fighters, the Serie III variants packed deadly 20mm cannons. Allied pilots frequently reported that the Veltro could out-turn the mighty P-51D Mustang. Unfortunately for Italy, heavy bombing and a lack of resources meant only about 260 were ever built.

It was too little, too late, but it remains a true apex-predator of the skies.

Did you know Italy built a fighter that could rival the Mustang? Let’s talk below!