We built that plane too!

What's the expected completion date?

6-8 months

I think this seems less unusual when you understand Blackwell's reputation, especially in the T-34 community. Their work has won many awards, and there are very few shops who specialize in this level of restoration (even fewer who specialize in Beechcraft). As Del says, this isn't for everyone... but for the right buyer this is a chance to step into a work in progress without the trouble of finding the right airframe, getting on the waitlist, etc etc.

(Full disclosure: I talked to Bob about doing something similar on my airplane a couple of years ago. Bob, I still owe you a visit to continue that conversation!)

Couple years back the Navy was auctioning off former flying club T-34s.

In a fit of this could be a good deal (madness) I had the wild idea of buying a T-34 and getting it restored.

I flew up to visit the experts at Blackwell Aviation.

Everyone was friendly and helpful even though I hardly even rated the title of: tire kicker.

Their shop was busy and well organized.

If I was going to have a Bonanza or T-34 restored, I’d definitely work with these guys to get it done.

They took me across to a different hanger and showed me several planes they had done in the past.

Quality work.

They also introduced me to a fellow who’d investigated buying the same planes before they had spent ten (more) years on the ramp (high moisture and salt) in Pensacola.

Blackwell Aviation can rebuild anything, from anything, but unless I had an emotional attachment to one of those flying club planes, I’d have been much better off just buying a running T-34.

Sanity restored.

For the right buyer this is a great opportunity to get a no-compromise Bonanza restored to better than new condition by a quality shop.

Sure you could buy one that flies for less but it would not be exactly as you wanted it and and no matter how nice the paint and interior it will still be a used Bonanza.

Sometimes you just have to ignore practical and spend the time and money:



1974 Lincoln MK IV
Drove it Senior year in HS
Inherited from my father
Just completed a 3 year restoration

I flew a S35 w/550 and an A36 w/550 as a young corporate pilot. The S35 would do circles around the A36. Easily 20 knots faster.

There's a 2019 G36 on Controller for $1.1M.

$450K for a "new" S35 is a bargain in today's times.

15 years from now, the guy who bought the G36 has lost more than $450K in actual depreciation. (Maybe?)

If I was ever going to own a Bo, the S35 would be top of my list.

Bump

When I retire....I'm doing a project like this.

I have admired Blackwell T-34 restorations for years. They are superb and the workmanship and attention to detail are amazing. The S35 and early V35 models are light in weight and offer an outstanding blend of performance and utility. Beech has not made a new V Tail in close to 40 years so if you want a showroom quality, better than new 35 Bonanza Blackwell is one of the few games in town. I'd take an immacualte Blackwell fully upgraded and restored S35 with an upgraded instrument panel with state of the art glass panel and autopilot and a best in class interior and paint to my specs over a new Cirrus. That said, for $450K I would sort of like to see a zero time engine and prop as part of the deal.

Have you considered employing the services of a top-notch broker for this? Like Neal or Randy. You've got something very unique there which needs to be paired with a unique buyer and they may be able to facilitate that. You guys would be the "A" team.

Bump

The only thing I could add is the buyer will have a beautiful $450K, 7500 + TTSN, 1963 airplane. Not the same as new from a fatigue and life standpoint although it will certainly look great. There’s simply no practical way to undo 7500 or so flight hours of cyclic usage and crack initiation on and old airframe, regardless of how pretty it looks. Fortunately, most of these early Bo’s have a useful life of twice that, so most people will never see a problem for several years down the road.

I personally would never want to spend that much money on a restoration simply because once it leaves the shop, it’s still a high time, good looking, but expensive bird.

But there is a buyer out there and I wish you the best.

Dave

Fixed it for you.

Bob - when you do make this sale and complete this rebuilt, please post about it! I would love to see the work in progress and the finished product.

Do you offer financing with a follow up for a T-34C rebuild in the future?