This fighter jet engaged in some of the earliest jet to jet battles in history and was often considered by historians to be one of the most important fighter jets involved in the Korean War. The F86F Sabre’s are known for their agility, versatility, and adaptability and were one of the most produced western fighter jets with approximately 9,860 units manufactured. 

Interestingly, the Sabre jets set numerous speed records for six consecutive years, and they won many National Aircraft Show Bendix Trophies. The F-86A set the first official speed record in 1948. This jet reached a top speed of 570 mph. However, in 1952 the speed was bettered by an F-86D that reached 698 mph.

Additionally, the F86F Saber fighter jets were equipped with powerful engines and armament systems that included rockets, cannons, machine guns, and bombs.

2. 1966 Folland GNAT ($255,000)

The best British-built combat ground attack and day fighter aircraft title belongs to the 1966 Folland Gnat. This aircraft was not only perfect for light fighter combat but also for training purposes. The 1966 Folland Gnat is a swept-wing subsonic fighter jet designed by the world-famous designer W.E.W Petter and produced by Folland Aircraft. 

Aircraft engineering was an expensive process, and with the rising costs, many companies were seeking out ways to manufacture fighter jets at a lower cost without compromising on quality. Folland Aircraft was able to achieve this feat by using a modern jet engine and simple engineered fuselage and wing. 

Surprisingly, the Folland Gnats were not commissioned by the British government but were instead privately financed to begin with. After further development, these jets were used by the Royal Air Force, the Finish Air Force, and the Indian Air Force. 

The Folland Gnat fighter jets gained recognition in the UK due to the RAF using the planes for the prestigious Red Arrows aerobatic team. The Folland Gnats were officially retired in 1979, with 449 models being built. Today you can get your hands on the 1966 Folland Gnat for a touch over a quarter of a million, which is a reasonable price to pay for a jet plane with such a prominent global contribution to aviation.