The Barrett-Jackson Auction Co. will host a preview of the rare 1929 Hamilton Metalplane H-47 (serial No. 65) scheduled to sell at No Reserve during the 39th Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in Scottsdale Jan. 18-24, 2010. The preview is free to the public and will take place Saturday, Dec.12 – Sunday, Dec. 13 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Fleming Field Airport (SGS) in South St. Paul, Minn.
The preview will give potential buyers and aviation enthusiasts a chance to view the plane and meet Barrett-Jackson officials before it is sold. The Hamilton Metalplane is No. 22 of only 29 built and the only airworthy example of its type in existence.
“Collectors and enthusiasts across the country will enjoy a detailed look at this stunning aircraft inside the same hanger where it was restored more than 35 years ago,” said Craig Jackson, Chairman/CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “This could very well be the last chance to see the Hamilton before it enters a private collection.”
The restoration of the Hamilton Metalplane began in 1972 after Jack Lysdale, aviation expert and fixed base operator at Fleming Field, purchased the aircraft following an abandoned restoration attempt. Many parts had to be fabricated from scratch, including the seats, nose cowlings, firewall, fuel and oil tanks, controls and electrical systems. The Metalplane was reskinned with specially manufactured corrugated aluminum rolled from original dies by the Alcoa Company. The engine is a massive Pratt & Whitney Hornet R-1690 with 525 horsepower at 1900 rpm. Once completed, the Metalplane won the Grand Champion trophy at the Antique Airplane Association National Convention in 1975, as well as the Silver Age Champion award at Oshkosh in 1976.
“Last year our preview of the Ford Tri-Motor was well attended and generated tremendous interest in the plane before it sold in Scottsdale,” added Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “The Hamilton is an equally impressive aircraft with a storied past, so we expect strong crowds and excitement in Minnesota for the preview.”
For more information: Barrett-Jackson.com or 480-421-6694.
