The Beechcraft Model 18 made its first demonstration flight on January 15, 1937 in Wichita, Kansas, and it continued in production for thirty-two years there after. The twin-engine, low-wing, all-metal monoplane was originally intended as a six-to-eight-passenger executive or feeder airline transport. However, over the years, the Model 18 was adapted to many uses, with thirty-two different versions being produced, including the WWII military C-45 variants.

At the end of WWII, military production ceased; and by late 1945, Beech returned to full commercial aircraft production. The newest Model 18, the D18S, became the leading executive transport among businessmen. It was also used extensively by the new local service airlines that sprang up after the end of the war. In December 1953, the last version of the Beech 18, the Super 18, made its maiden flight. More than 9,000 Model 18s were produce between 1937 and 1969, when production ended.

The Beech 18 is powered by two 450-hp Pratt & Whitney Wasp, Jr., 9-cylinder radial piston engines with Hamilton Standard constant speed propellers. The plane has a maximum speed of 230 mph, service ceiling of 21,400 ft and range of 1,300 miles.

This gallery displays a beautifully restored, customized and Arizona stabled 1953 Beechcraft 18 that I stumbled upon at the 2008 Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (IWA) Open house. This Model 18 is designed for a crew of two and up to five passengers. I would like to personally thank Peggy for allowing me to photograph the plane’s interior.

Seems to me, this vintage beauty would be perfectly at home at the Saturday night "Rock 'n' Roll McDonalds” cruise-in at the Scottsdale Pavilions. And the northbound Loop 101 would make the perfect landing strip.......

All photos taken hand-held under ambient light using the Canon 16-35/f2.8L and 24-105/f4L IS lenses.

Thanks for looking,

Denny_D