de Havilland DH85 Leopard Moth G-ACOJ
Photo Credits and Copyrights: Robert Stewart & Martin Needham
Exclusively for sale with Eagles Eleven.
de Havilland DH85 Leopard Moth G-ACOJ
Offers In Excess of £175,000
Eagles Eleven are delighted to offer for sale Sir Torquil Norman’s beautiful de Havilland DH85 Leopard Moth ‘G-ACOJ’.
One of only six airworthy examples of the Leopard Moth worldwide, this aircraft was regularly flown by Sir Geoffrey de Havilland, having been purchased back from the RAF by the de Havilland company.
This fine example was designed in 1933 as an improvement on the earlier Puss Moth. It featured a three seat cabin and lighter, all-plywood structure rather than the metal tubing of its predecessor.
Originally built in 1934 under serial number 7035 the aircraft is currently based at Rendcombe Aerodrome, England, and Impeccably maintained and flown by Henry Labouchere.
Engine:
de Havilland GIPSY MAJOR 1C
Propeller:
Fairey Reed A66753/X1
Airframe:
Hours 499
Range:
622 NM
Cruise :
103 KN
Serial / Reg:
7035 / G-ACOJ
Based:
Rendcombe Aerodrome
G-ACOJ, was originally built for the National Benz Oil Petroleum Company, narrowly avoiding military service due to operating in France. At the outbreak of war, the aircraft was placed into storage.
One of only 133 Leopard Moths produced between 1933 and 1936, this rare beauty is such a wonderful sight to see in both the air and on the ground. With her folding wings and elegant lines, this timeless aircraft we’re hoping will manage to grace the English skies for some time to come!
Post-war, the Royal Air Force eventually requisitioned the aircraft and used it for target towing and gunnery practice; after this, the de Havilland company bought back the aircraft, using her mainly for business trips between their facilities.
The Leopard is a regular sight at Shuttleworth and on the vintage airshow circuit.
Powered by a 130 horsepower de Havilland Gipsy Major 4-cylinder air-cooled inverted in-line engine, the aircraft is on a C of A and will be sold with a fresh annual.
Viewings by appointment only: Call Robert Stewart +44 7841 764199 or Email: rob@eagles11.com
