1957 BEECHCRAFT E18S

1957

BEECHCRAFT

E18S

Used

Timeless Elegance, Unmatched Legacy: Own the Iconic 1957 Beechcraft E18S Twin Beech (N90TT) ✨ Introduction: A Living, Flying Legend In the world of classic aviation, there are aircraft, and then there are icons. The 1957 Beechcraft Super E18S Twin Beech—serial number BA-335, tail number N90TT—is more than just an airplane. It’s a portal to a bygone era of craftsmanship, courage, and commanding beauty. Lovingly restored from the ground up, this aircraft is a masterpiece in flight—engineered with excellence, adorned with luxury, and steeped in history. Whether you are a vintage aviation connoisseur, a pilot with a taste for heritage, or someone who dreams of owning a rare piece of functional art, this Twin Beech speaks to the soul. Located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and offered at $325,000, this aircraft is more than a machine—it’s an experience. And now, it could be yours. Restoration Reimagined: A Meticulous Ground-Up Rebirth Before its 2014 acquisition and subsequent ownership by Peaceful Warriors, LLC since 2020, N90TT underwent a professional, comprehensive restoration that honored the plane’s storied past while bringing it confidently into the modern age. Every detail—from the airframe to avionics to the leather stitching in the cabin—was touched with care, precision, and passion. Volpar Tricycle Gear Conversion A notable standout is the Volpar Mark IV tricycle gear modification, applied to just over 240 late-model Twin Beeches. This mod transforms the aircraft’s handling with improved crosswind stability and easier taxiing, takeoff, and landing characteristics—without compromising the aircraft’s vintage charm. Cabin Comfort: Vintage Luxury in the Sky Open the cabin door and step into another time. The plush leather reclining seats accommodate 7 passengers in addition to the pilot seat. Warm burl-wood accents, a well-stocked refreshment bar, generous storage cabinets, a private toilet, and large, newly installed picture windows provide a travel experience that recalls the golden age of airliners. This isn’t just transportation. It’s atmosphere. It’s ambiance. It’s Casablanca meets first-class. ✈️ The Performance Behind the Romance It’s one thing to look beautiful on the ramp. It’s another to take to the skies with muscle and grace. With its Pratt & Whitney R-985 radial engines delivering 450 HP each, N90TT offers commanding performance across the board. Performance Metrics Total Airframe Time: 8,924.7 hours Engine SMOH: 1,068.4 hours Climb Rate: 1,410 ft/min Takeoff Distance (50-ft obstacle): Approx. 1,980 ft Cruise Speeds at 10,000 ft: Economy: 153 KTAS @ ~33 GPH Standard: 186 KTAS @ ~48 GPH Max: ~203 KTAS @ ~90 GPH Fuel Capacity: 6 tanks, 318 gallons usable (3 per wing + auxiliary) Weight & Load: Empty Weight: 7,491 lbs Max Gross: 9,600 lbs Useful Load: 2,109 lbs Payload w/o fuel: 1,569 lbs Cockpit & Avionics: Classic Meets Capable The aircraft’s avionics suite, updated to meet modern demands, blends cleanly with its classic dashboard aesthetics. The central throttle quadrant layout offers ease of access, while the feathering buttons give each pilot fast propeller control—a critical feature in demanding flight environments. Avionics & Flight Systems Full Avionics Upgrade: For safety and versatility Manual & Electric Trim: For nuanced control Electric Gear and Flap Actuators: With manual crank backup Differential Braking Nosewheel Steering: For intuitive taxiing Stick Shaker: Power-on stall warning Performance Safety Margins: Vmc: 82 KIAS Stall (Flaps Up): 81 KIAS Stall (Flaps Down): 73 KIAS A Pilot’s Dream, A Collector’s Treasure Pilots love the Twin Beech for its balance of power and personality. Light yet responsive controls make each flight enjoyable, while the smooth hum of the twin radials invites you to lean back and savor the moment. It’s an aircraft that doesn’t just get you there—it romances the sky along the way. This is not a jet that fades into the cloud layer. It’s a presence. A conversation starter on every ramp. A nod from every seasoned pilot who knows exactly what’s behind those round engines and polished lines. History in the Making: The Legacy of the Model 18 A Design That Endures Launched in 1937, the Beechcraft Model 18 is one of the most storied aircraft in American aviation. Over 9,000 were built before production ended in 1969, making it the longest-produced twin-engine taildragger in history. Its record of service across war, commerce, and adventure is nothing short of legendary. From AT-7 and AT-11 military trainers to C-45 personnel transports, to bush planes and float-fitted freighters, the Model 18 was as adaptable as it was beloved. It has graced screens in Hollywood, starred in photojournalism, and appeared in countless pilot memoirs. N90TT is a Super E18S variant—an advanced model introduced with a cabin six inches taller for increased headroom and comfort. This upgrade, personally requested by company founder Walter Beech, was a nod to both practicality and prestige. Cultural Icon The Model 18 evokes “Indiana Jones” grit and “Casablanca” elegance—think high adventure meets black-tie sophistication. Its unmistakable radial drone, polished aluminum sheen, and bold profile make it a standout among classic aircraft. Rare history detail: Option once existed for “Junior JATO” rocket-assisted takeoff system (adds character/heritage factor, even if not installed). Cabin configuration note: Seats 8 total, but most comfortable with 6 (2 cockpit + 4 cabin). Historical prestige: Prototype first flown in 1937; built in 32 versions; more than 9,000 produced before 1969. Distinctive heritage: Often compared to the Lockheed Electra Junior — a design icon of the era. WWII legacy: Served as AT–7 Navigator, AT–11 Kansas bombardier trainer, C–45 Expeditor personnel transport, and AT–10 Wichita trainer. Model evolution: Cabin height increased on E18S after Walter Beech himself demanded more headroom — making this model more prestigious and comfortable. Legendary status: Called “the end of an era” by purists when tricycle-gear models arrived — underscoring the collectible, historic nature of this aircraft.

8924.7

9,600 lb

7,491 lb

2,109 lb

1068.4

SMOH

1200

8