SR-71 listed on eBay for $1,000,000 then its rudder appears in a man’s front yard, encased in hundreds of pounds of cement
Published on Nov 29, 2025 at 6:08 PM (UTC+4)
by Henry Kelsall
Last updated on Nov 27, 2025 at 5:27 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Mason Jones
A Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird spy plane rudder appeared in a man’s front yard after being sold on eBay, and he had a clever way of ensuring no one could steal it.
The SR-71 is one of the finest aircraft ever made, flying at the height of the Cold War as a spyplane capable of speeds of up to Mach 3.
The rudder was an interesting part of the aircraft, with its construction changing after it was deemed too flimsy.
Somehow, old ones appeared on eBay, and this one sold for $1 million.
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How the SR-71 rudder ended up on eBay
Rudders on earlier versions of the SR-71 Blackbird aircraft were made out of a composite material.
But after realizing it was too flimsy, Lockheed went back to a mostly titanium construction for the rudder.
These older rudders were thus declared surplus to requirements by Lockheed and the U.S. Air Force.
However, despite the secretive nature of the aircraft, some of these items did end up on eBay.
It isn’t 100 percent clear how it ended up for sale on the popular auction site.
But it did, and it was listed for $1 million, and amazingly, it seemed to sell.
Even better was to stop it from being stolen, the new owner had encased it in cement outside his house.
That is one way to stop theft!
Why the Blackbird was a fearsome spy aircraft
Few aircraft were able to gain such a cult following in service like the Blackbird.
The Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird first flew in 1964, becoming the chief spy aircraft for the United States.
It regularly flew over Soviet territory on spy missions, taking photographs of areas such as nuclear installations.
Capable of flying at Mach 3, the aircraft was never locked onto by a Soviet aircraft, and none were shot down.
Only the Swedish locked onto a Blackbird, after one was caught on radar limping home with an issue.
The aircraft holds the world record for the quickest flight between London and New York at 1 hour, 54 minutes, and 56 seconds.
The United States retired the aircraft in 1999, after NASA used them for research flights.
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Henry is a content writer with nearly ten years experience, having written for various publications since 2017. Qualifying with a Sports Journalism degree from Staffordshire University, Henry loves all things automotive but has a particular soft spot for classic Japanese cars and anything Lancia. He also has a curious passion for steam locomotives.
