• Home
  • Cars
    • American
    • British
    • Kit cars
  • Motorcycles
    • American
    • British
    • German
    • Italian
    • Japanese
    • Custom Built
  • Trucks
  • Other Machines
    • Aircraft
    • Engines
    • Military
    • Quarter Midget Racer
    • Reverse trikes
    • RV Conversions
    • Snowmobiles
    • Tractors
      • Power Horse
    • Trains
  • About

Uncommon Motors

When ordinary just won't do

David Oreck’s 1944 Grand Champion Beechcraft G17S Staggerwing

September 28, 2016 by Paul Crowe

David Oreck's Oshkosh Grand Champion 1944 Beech Staggerwing biplane
David Oreck’s Oshkosh Grand Champion 1944 Beech Staggerwing biplane

If you appreciate fine machinery, your interests most likely spread beyond road going vehicles. For those of us with an eye on the sky, there are a few airplanes considered by aviation buffs to be among the finest ever designed and the Beech Staggerwing is one of those planes. David Oreck, yes, of vacuum cleaner fame, has been a pilot since World War II and his private airplane collection, some of which is now up for sale, includes this absolutely perfect 1944 Beechcraft G17S Staggerwing.

1944 Beech Staggerwing cockpit
1944 Beech Staggerwing cockpit

The Staggerwing, so named for the rearward or negative stagger position of the upper wing, was, in its day, what the private jet is today, a fast, luxurious aircraft for the well heeled traveler who could relax in the comfort of its leather interior.

NC16 Golf Delta began life as a D model in service with the British Royal Navy. After the war, it changed hands several times, eventually finding its way to the Staggerwing Museum in Tennessee. It was then acquired by Jim Younkin who decided to restore the plane, but in the process, turn the basket case D model into a G17S, the latest of the staggerwings and while doing so, update the various onboard systems to bring everything up to modern standards. Gerard Dederich bought the plane, not yet reassembled and went even further by finishing the interior and having the exterior painted in the stunning color scheme you see today. After the FAA issued an airworthiness certificate, it was purchased by David Oreck.

It is now powered by a 450 horsepower Pratt and Whitney R985 AN-3 Wasp Junior, a 9 cylinder radial engine and mounts a Hamilton Standard 2D30 prop. It includes a full complement of King avionics, Century 2000 autopilot and AA83 intercom system. Cruise is 200+ mph.

This is the opportunity of a lifetime for the aviation enthusiast with the wherewithal to add what will be the centerpiece of any aero collection. It was awarded “Grand Champion” status at Oshkosh, it has been featured in many aviation magazines and after a world class restoration it’s flight ready for its next owner.

Some years ago, while attending the Oshkosh EAA fly in, I had the opportunity to see three staggerwings lined up next to the runway, a sight I’ve never seen since in all of the intervening years.

Filed Under: Aircraft Tagged With: Beech, biplane, Staggerwing

« Another 1989 Honda GB500 in Astonishing Condition
1962 Plymouth Valiant Signet Slant Six Comes Filled with Uncommon Potential »

Comments

  1. DWolvin says

    May 2, 2017 at 10:40 am

    It’s also worth noting that they were also faster that almost anything the military had for a bit- it preceded the Boeing P-26 Peashooter by a couple of years…

Previously on Uncommon Motors

Tilting Motor-Works Harley Davidson Heritage Softail Classic

Your Tilting Motor Works Harley Davidson Heritage Softail Classic is Ready

Tri-Magnum fully enclosed reverse trike from the Robert Q. Riley Enterprises design

Tri-Magnum Fully Enclosed Reverse Trike With Gold Wing Power

1969 VW Lil Bugger RV Conversion Makes Efficient Use of the Beetle Chassis

Copyright © 2023 · Uncommon Motors · Website by Crowe Computer Services
This website proudly Made in the USA!
Made in the USA