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Transport yourself back to the golden age of Hollywood with an aircraft acclaimed to be the executive transport for movie stars like John Wayne and Bette Davis. The 1944 Beechcraft Staggerwing ND-17S, listed on GlobalAir.com, is up for auction with Airspace Auctions from Nov. 8-Nov. 15.
The "John Wayne plane" has a timeless look with a star-studded history. The starting bid for the plane is $200,000 with an $8,000 required deposit and a four percent buyers premium. The Staggerwing is powered by a 450-horsepower Pratt andamp; Whitney R-985 Series engine. The plane has been well-maintained, restored and is in great condition with a 9.5/10 rating. The plane was restored in 1985, featuring a pale yellow exterior with bronze bird pin strips and bronze on the cowling, with details available in the log books. The plane has been hangar-kept since it was repainted in 1983. The interior was redone in 1998 and was reupholstered in 2021 by the current owner.
The propeller was overhauled in 2018 and has had 20 hours since. The plane has 4,084.5 total hours and the engines have had 1,153 hours since the last major overhaul. Featuring classic steam gage instruments, this Staggerwing offers old-fashioned looks with updated features. The plane is equipped with an airspeed indicator, King avionics and audio, a time indicator and engine breathers. The plane has been well-loved and well-maintained and features a stunning, updated interior and exterior.
This Staggerwing began its life as a WWII reconnaissance aircraft, used by both the U.S. Navy and Royal Navy. Despite being designed as a civilian aircraft, the Staggerwing proved to be versatile and reliable in military operations, with speed and climb records surpassing those of many fighters of the time. Notably, the Staggerwing was used by the British Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm as a communications and transport aircraft. After serving in WWII, the aircraft was used for private transportation and aerial photography.
The Staggerwing D-17S was flown by many notable people, including actor John Wayne. The Western film star was a pilot and aviation enthusiast and used his 1944 Staggerwing for personal and business travel. Film star Bette Davis flew in the Staggerwing as a passenger of Wayne's. Two Hollywood legends are associated with the plane, adding to its allure and significance as it heads to auction.
The Beechcraft Staggerwing D-17S is a piece of aviation history, representing both military innovation and civilian use. When the plane emerged in the 1930s, it was primarily used for business executive transport, setting a new standard for executive aircraft and the future of modern aviation. The plane was produced from the 30s to the end of WWII and after the war, it was phased out with the introduction of the Beechcraft Bonanza. The distinctive "staggered-wing" design stands out amongst vintage aircraft today. Many of the surviving Staggerwings are on display at museums all over the world.RELATED STORY:1936 Bendix Race winning Staggerwing C17R up for auction
Another Staggerwing is up for auction on Airspace Auctions, the 1936 Staggerwing C17R, owned and flown by the first female Bendix Race winner and aviation pioneer Louise Thaden. The 1936 Staggerwing was confirmed to have been number 81, the aircraft Thaden flew in her historic race win. The plane is undergoing a restoration and will also be up for auction in November.
Register to bid on the 1944 Staggerwing today to bring home a piece of history, with links to WWII and the silver screen.