1941 De Havilland DH-85 Leopard Moth

Description

The seller 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. 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.

Remarks

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.

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.