But how or why did an Italian get hold of F104's? Saw some previous pics on the net that also seem to show high wing radial powered A/C - maybe Grumman trackers? Again, how on earth did he get hold of them?
I'm not sure what exactly you are getting at. The types you mention were both operated by the Italian military, with the last F-104s being retired only a couple of years ago. As redundant aircraft, many would have been sold for scrapping, presumably after being stripped of armament and any other useful or sensitive equipment.