We're looking at a 1947 V35 that has my wife's heart pounding. She's a new pilot and we've been looking for something to buy that she can grow with. She's absolutely in love with her new found hobby and she happens to be very good at it. So the next step is for us to buy her an airplane. I have zero knowledge of airplanes other than my brother being an airline pilot for United flying a 737. I'm slowly reading and learning and trying to absorb as much information as I can so we can make an educated decision about our purchase. 8 out of the 10 people we know that fly all suggested a Bonanza.
This particular plane happens to come up for sale at a great price. I understand some of the issues that we need to have looked at. We're meeting with the owner in the morning so my questions is, what are some of the things I should inquire from him.

Here is what I know so far.
1947 v 35
TT 5650
880 SMOH with the 225 overhaul.
115 SNEW Hartzell Hydraulic prop
King KX 175b
King XT 76a xponder

There are other miscellaneous items that have been upgraded and there is also a parts plane that is available for later use if the need arises.

Any help with this will be greatly appreciated.

That is a 1947 model 35, not a V35. All V tails are model 35, that's what 35 means, V tail. A V35 is a 1966 model. Be very careful with that original model, sometimes it seems they run on luck and magic. A cheap buy in price may lead to more expensive costs later on. Make sure you have a well versed Beech mechanic look at it. What ever you end up with welcome to the club.

Ok got it, I'm confused because the ad reads, 1947 Beechcraft V35. I did a tail number search and found useful information but nothing on the actual year. The owner stated its a 1947. So not sure what the actual year is based on that information.

I have the serial number, is there a data base that'll tell me the year?

Try this:

http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry ... quiry.aspx

You do not want a 1947 bonanza as a first plane. Some quirky systems, some hard to maintain parts. If you want a $20k first plane get a nice Cessna 120 or 140. If you want a v-tail, an extra $20k spent on a 15 year newer model will pay HUGE dividends.

nick,
welcome aboard. go to www.registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry to get more info either by serial # or n #. the '47 was the first production model and depending on whether they have been loved or neglected may determine good from bad. do not buy until you've had an expert bonanza mechanic perform a prebuy inspection, it could be a money pit. telling us what part of the country are you located could help finding a good bonanza mechanic .
gary

Nick....don't get smitten and blind to the advice given here. You need to suck up information for at least a few months.

And you would need a specialist expert. Lot of bonanza guys who don't know early bo systems.

Nick, I've attached the latest one I've seen.

According to the serial number it is a '47. The plane is located in central Florida. But the plane came from TX. Thanks for the help.

A 1947 is called a "straight 35".

From the photo: With that 88" prop, on its E-225 engine, it will perform magnificently. There is no sweeter flying plane than this. Beech got it right with their first model. Buy it. Your wife will thank you, many times, many ways.

Nick, Welcome and tell your wife congrats!

Tons of information to process when buying your first plane.

Tons of information to process when buying your first Bonanza. They've spanned the years and the differences between a 1947 and a 1967 are amazing. Everyone has an opinion on here, and a lot of the guys have flown/owned a variety of models from different years.

Summary: Do your research on whatever plane you are looking at. Understand its systems and nuances, because they really change from year to year with the old v-tails. Not to mention that anything that old probably has some modifications from the stock configuration.

Post pictures, ask questions and be prepared for information to come at you like a fire hose!

I will need a good Beechcraft mechanic to do a pre buy inspection. The plane is located in Deland Fl. If anyone knows of one their contact information would be appreciated.

We passed, still looking.