What a design the P51 was. Under conditions of urgent need, pure talent took it from design drawings to engineered metal in no time at all. Then, the retro-fit of a Rolls Royce engine fulfilled the potential of the airframe. We finished up with an aeroplane of transcendent form that still makes people gasp and stare when they see one flying.
Looks right, is right.
I don't think we can do that anymore. We think the stuff we are turning out, with college cloned engineers and CAD/CAM, is optimal but half the time it is duff but wearing fancy clothes.