Full details of each lot are displayed, except the lot number, estimate and price. You must be a subscriber to view lot numbers, estimates and prices.
The only Simmonds Spartan 1929 flying in the world. Built &…
Auction House:
Auction Location:
Auckland
Date:
6-Apr-2009
Lot No.
***
Description:
The only Simmonds Spartan 1929 flying in the world. Built & designed in the Simmonds Aircraft factory in the U.K. The factory produced only 49 Simmonds Spartans but this aircraft is the only airworthy aircraft (Zk-Abk), the only other aircraft is in bits and pieces. This particular aircraft was built as a three seater in the factory, only 3 of the 49 aircraft were 3 seater factory built, therefore it is very rare. Only 49 of these aircraft were built and they were initially used for joy rides at 1 pound sterling for a 10 minute trip. The two passengers would sit in the front with the pilot behind. Later on other Spartans were manufactured by a different of which only 2 of the aircraft remain in the world. It was originally built in 1929 and was purchased by New Zealand Airways in the same year. The aircraft was used by New Zealand Airways as Nz's first passenger aircraft, based in the Dunedin-Christchurch region at 5 pounds sterling per hour. New Zealand Airways originally had seven Simmonds aircraft in their fleet. Of interest is that the designer of the Spartan, Oliver Simmonds, was the aerodynamicst to R J Mitchell (who designed the Supermarine Spitfire) up to 1928 and was heavily involved in the S4 built by Supermarine for air racing. There is no doubt Oliver's work for Supermarine would have featured in the Spitfire design. Possibly this is the reason the Spartan flies so well. The Test Flying Schedule has been completed and the Certificate of Airworthiness from the Civil Aviation Authority is about to be issued Registration: Zk-Abk. Designer: Oliver Simmonds. Manufacturer: Simmonds Aircraft Ltd. Weston, Southampton, England. Build date: 29th July 1929. Serial number: 46. Production number: 49. Fleet number: One of seven. Specification: Last of 3 factory built three seaters. First flight in Nz - Approx. 18/11/1929. C of A issued: 18/11/1929. Disposal: 1936. Rebuilds: Four (Engine failures). Latest Test Flight: October 2008.
Estimate:
***
Price:
***
Category:
Unclassified