THE SKY’S NO LIMIT: A 50 Facts & Favorite Memories Feature
November 22, 2021
Posted by Barrett-Jackson
1959 Cessna L-19E Airplane raised $400,000 for charity at our 2014 Scottsdale Auction
To mark Barrett-Jackson’s half-century in business, in this special series we’re taking a look back at some of our favorite moments from the past 50 years – as well as some little-known facts about The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions.
1954 Taylor Aerocar sold for $275,000 at our 2020 Scottsdale Auction
The world of aviation and the automobile have long run on parallel paths, and for good reason. From the earliest days of mechanized motion and mobility, the two industries have thrived with a spirit of innovation, pursuit of speed and a realization of art, craft and engineering. The names gracing the annals of the automotive and aeronautic world conquered both the asphalt and the clouds. From FIAT and BMW to Mitsubishi and Rolls-Royce, many of the automotive houses were heavily involved in either building planes or parts for them.
[1958 Cessna 182A Fixed-Wing Single-Engine Plane ](http://1958 Cessna 182A Fixed-Wing Single-Engine Plane)sold at the 2016 Scottsdale Auction for $66,000
It is this very same history and synergies that exist between cars and planes that is captured on the auction block of Barrett-Jackson. “Vintage planes, similar to the historic automobiles that cross our block, represent an incredible snapshot into our past and evoke passion and appreciation from collectors,” said Barrett-Jackson President Steve Davis. “We have sold some of the most significant vehicles in the world, so it makes perfect sense to sell such important pieces of aeronautical history.”
1929 Ford 4-AT-E Tri-Motor Airplane sold at our 2009 Scottsdale Auction for $1,210,000
Over the last 50 years notable aircraft have been featured and crossed our block, from flying cars and Leer jets to the proverbial “hangar find” and so much more. But if there is one aircraft that defines the parallels between the aeronautical and automotive worlds it is this: Ford’s 1929 4 A-TE Tri-Motor. Henry Ford’s “Tin Goose” was instrumental in helping the American public realize the benefits of air travel, and this one has an incredible story. Sold as at the 2009 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction, the Tri-Motor began its historic journey in 1929 in Spokane, Washington, where it served as a passenger plane. Later, it would be sold to K-T Flying Service of Honolulu and was present during the December 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor. The Tri-Motor suffered exterior bullet holes during the attack, but was quickly repaired and returned to service. Upon returning to the mainland, it was leased by Trans World Airlines (TWA) in 1949 and modified into a firefighting tanker and used to drop smoke jumpers and supplies to fire fighters. The plane was even flown across the country before crossing the block and selling for an incredible $1.21 million.
The Barrett-Jackson block has seen all manner of special vehicles go beyond traditional offerings. Representing inventive methods of transportation from around the globe, The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions will always welcome those who think outside the box and those who dream of soaring above the clouds.
2013 CESSNA T182 TURBO SKYLANE – $489,500.00
1929 HAMILTON METALPLANE H47 SERIAL #65 AIRPLANE – $671,000.00
2004 PANOZ ESPERANTE “THE FLYING CAR” – $49,500.00
