What Do Champs Sell For?

[Richard Murray]

The latest Champ to sell was at auction on May 6th in Gunthersville, Alabama (8A1) to David Ferguson of Fergusons Flying Circus Airport (TN09). Here is a link a video of the sale. https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B4Cpg ... DZsMldndmc
The high bid was $19,500 + $195 buyers premium. 7AC-1749 is registered as N83092 and was in exemplary condition, save for the slight hangar rash on the right tip bow.

[rkittine]

I have seen them sell ridiculously high to "give-away" low. All depends on what it has, what condition it is in, what is legal and not legal on it, how much weight it picked up over the years and just how bad someone wants it at the time it sells. If you are patient you can get a good deal, if you are in a hurry, you can get hosed.

Bob

[Paul Agaliotis]

Richard,
Looks like they had to work pretty hard to get that price.
Paul

[Richard Murray]

Paul,

Dave Ferguson of Ferguson's Flying Circus Airport (TN09) said he an a friend purchased the Champ just to have another. They weren't sure if they were going to keep it or another his friend owns.

Yes they worked hard on each of the aircraft to get the highest bid. The Cub that sold before this Champ fetched $35,000 + $350 buyers premium from an online bidder. Top seller was a 1940 Waco UPF-7 for $95,000 + $950 buyers premium to a buyer on the floor who also purchased two Stearmans and the Ercoupe model 'D'.

Richard

[Paul Agaliotis]

Richard,
The price seems right for an auction. If the plane is in good shape, it can be a shot in the dark sometimes. Not that the seller was trying to pull a fast one, but just an unknown problem. Most auctions don't let you tear the plane down for a through inspection. If they do it's tough to get down there early enough to get it done.

I've flown CUBs and wouldn't pay 35K for a squadron of them! But, they sure are fun, those 3 days a year, floating over the golden hills of California on a warm Spring morning.
Paul

[Richard Murray]

Paul,

This Champ was in excellent condition, save for a minor abrasion on the right wing tip bow. A fresh annual this month and hydraulic brakes. It was easily a $25,000 Champ, but not on this day with the bidders on hand. I would have found myself bidding if I wasn't trying to downsize so I can eliminate two of the three hangars I'm renting.

As David Ferguson commented "you can never have too many airplanes".

Richard

[Paul Agaliotis]

Richard,
I know what you mean. Now I'm not a greedy man, I just want one of each!
Paul