This is the 66 GT350 of Airplanes

[eric lipper]

There may be 35 or so of these still flying in the world but they were the highest performance planes of their day.  If any of you are ever in Houston come take a ride.

[prototypefan]

The Staggerwing Beechcraft is just stunning!!!!

[Jim Herrud]

+1 An absolutely gorgeous aircraft! I have loved these since I was a kid.

I had the opportunity to buy one of these 20+ years ago. After my broker investigated, it needed quite a bit of work. Also, after being further edjumacated, I didn't think I was prepared for the routine maintenance it would require. I bought a Cessna T210M instead. Not nearly the same ramp presence.

Owning a Beech 17 has to be a true labor of love.

[557]

Gorgeous!!specs??

[prototypefan]

The original gauges were radioactive.

A red one frequents our airport.......ramp presence.....CHECK!!!!

[1967 eight barrel]

The Beechcraft 17S
Maximum Airspeed: 212 mph
Introduced: 1932/1949
Engine: P&W 985 Wasp Junior.
Total Production: 785

There were issues with mid-air break-ups attributed to aileron flutter. I have flown two of them. They are a beautiful design.

                                                                                  -Keith

[2112]

Have a buddy in Davenport Washington restoring one now. Been one of his lifelong dreams.

That and a replica GeeBee.

[1967 eight barrel]

Which GeeBee?  The Gee Bee Z and R2 have both been done. Delmar Benjamin does a fantastic job of the stick and rudder work.
Here are videos of both.
Gee Bee Z
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=og1MHoYY-mc

Gee Bee R2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4f9UOgFmZIo
                                                                                  -Keith

[2112]

Which GeeBee?  The Gee Bee Z and R2 have both been done. Delmar Benjamin does a fantastic job of the stick and rudder work.
Here are videos of both.
Gee Bee Z
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=og1MHoYY-mc

Gee Bee R2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4f9UOgFmZIo
                                                                                  -Keith

R2

And Delmar is from Shelby Montana!

[Don Johnston]

CS loved planes as much as cars. I wonder i he ever flew one o these magnificent machines.

[1967 eight barrel]

Carroll was a flight instructor from 43-45 in San Antonio which became Lackland AFB.  It's possible being he taught on the Beechcraft trainer.
As you know his heart condition would have precluded him from flight.

He spoke of it a couple times at the Goodyear Tire Distribution center in Gardena.
                                                                                                   -Keith

[honker]

Carroll is mentioned in the last line of the write up here.

https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Visit/Museum-Exhibits/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/196406/1941-1945-world-war-ii-sergeant-pilots/


The Beech is one of the prettiest planes in my mind !

Mike

[honker]

Also mention of his link with planes, and a video here.

http://airportjournals.com/carroll-shelby-from-curtiss-to-cobra/

Mike

[NC TRACKRAT]

Back in the late '60's and early '70's, I was a vendor to Beech Aircraft and had access to their entire facilities.  Olive Ann Beech was still involved...a very competent and elegant lady, well ahead of her time in that she was one of the first women to lead a large corporation. There were always fly-ins of various models like the V-Tail Bonanzas, etc., but when the Staggerwing 17S's flew in, it was something special!  I will admit that, although they're beautiful, the Mystery S steals the show! www.aviation-history.com/travelair/mystery.html and www.goldenageofaviation.org/Travel.html

[prototypefan]

they simply look like they are going 200mph sitting on the tarmac!!!!

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