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1938 Spartan Executive 7W

Used
$695,000
03/31/2025
Registration no. NC17615Serial no. 14
2,755 VIEWS
11 DAYS ON FLYING
2 SAVES

Aircraft Listing Type

For Sale

Special use

  • Antique
  • Military / Warbird
  • Utility

Highlights

Aviation enthusiasts and collectors have a unique opportunity to acquire a remarkable piece of history-a 1938 Spartan Executive 7W, now available for sale through AV8RS, LLC. This rare aircraft is one of fewer than 20 still flying today, and it boasts a storied past that includes competitive air racing, military service, and even a Hollywood film appearance (Overland Stage Raiders starring John Wayne).

1938 Spartan Executive - AFTT apx. 4366 ENG SMOH apx. 12 hrs Engine Overhaul by Tulsa. Log range fuel (135 G) and oil tanks (10G). Paint 9-10 Interior 8-10. One of only two Spartans painted from the factory. Location DUX England, Experienced Spartan Ferry pilot available to fly the aircraft to states. Trunnion upgrade complete.

Seller location

Little Gransden, Cambridgeshire, England, United Kingdom

Aircraft location

Little Gransden, Cambridgeshire, England, United Kingdom

Airframe Total time

4,366 hours

Airframe Description

This particular Spartan Executive, NC17615, was the 14th aircraft produced, officially registered in January 1938. Originally retained by Spartan Aircraft Company as a demonstrator, it remained with the company until 1940 before being loaned to the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. As a UC-71, it was assigned serial number 42-38368 and played a role in military training operations.

In 2009, NC17615 was flown from South Carolina to the United Kingdom by two pilots, including current owner Nigel Pickard. Today, it is based at Little Gransden, England, alongside another Spartan Executive owned by Pickard.

This particular Spartan Executive is further distinguished by its 1938 Bendix Trophy Race history. Modified for competition, it finished in sixth place, reaching speeds of 225 mph at 10,000 feet under the command of Colonel John B. Hinchey. Adding to its Hollywood appeal, NC17615 was also featured in the 1938 film "Overland Stage Raiders," starring John Wayne. At the time, it was still owned by Spartan Aircraft Company, making its silver-screen appearance even more significant.

This Spartan Executive is one of only two factory-painted examples, a rare distinction as most were polished aluminum. It has also undergone the desirable aluminum trunnion upgrade, a $40,000 modification that enhances structural integrity.

The aircraft is IFR-equipped, making it suitable for modern flight operations. 

Total hours flown in the past 6 months

12 hours

Engine 1 hours

12 hours SMOH

Propulsion

The Pratt & Whitney R-985 engine was overhauled in 2023, installed in 2024 and has only 12 hours since installation. The propeller has also been recently overhauled. The exterior paint is rated 9/10, while the interior is an 8/10, featuring tasteful updates. Importantly, this aircraft retains its U.S. registration (N-number), simplifying ownership for American buyers.

Flight rules

Instrument Flight Rules

Navigation equipment

KING KMA24 AUDIO PANEL / 3LMB

2 KING KX 155 NAV/COMS

KING KI 208 VOR/LOCALIZER

KING KI 209 VOR/GLIDESCOPE

Trig TY96 8.33 Radio (https://trig-avionics.com/product/stack-radio/)

Trig TT31 Transponder (https://trig-avionics.com/product/stack-transponder-2/) FAA details (https://trig-avionics.com/support/the-tt31-ads-b-faa-stc/ )

WX900 STORMSCOPE

 

the first KX 155 COM is placarded U/S because the aerial is used for the Trig TY96 COM ( I explained to Brandon)

 

The Skyforce GPS is removed and the wiring/mount is still in place. Could be repurposed as RAM mount with USB/C power

For full ADS-B I think you would have to fit the Trig TN70 GPS output box ( It's a small GPS box that connects to the transponder- I have one in the RV ) this gives fuller info than just mode S from the transponder.

https://trig-avionics.com/product/tn70-gps-receiver/        

https://www.gps.co.uk/product/trig-tn70-ads-b-out-solution/ There is already a GPS antenna so that wont be needed

 

Trig customer service are excellent,

Engine management

JPI Engine Monitor

Additional equipment

RAM Mount for IPAD

Number of seats

5

Additional equipment

Dual-controls

Interior Condition

Tastefully upgraded and still shows nicely. 

Interior Year

1996

Interior Score

8

Exterior Condition

Very nice paint. 

Paint Year

1996

Paint Score

9

Inspection Status

Maintained with US A&P IA to US FAA Standards.

Damage history

Minor damage in the 1950s repaired by the Spartan Factory

Supporting Materials

NC17615 Spartan Executive SN 14 Spec Sheet.pdf
Preview|Download
Date
Event
Price
03/31/2025
Listed for Sale
$695,000
USD
USD
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Estimated Monthly Payment:
$4,671.61

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