1932 Waco OEC Biplane

Highlights

The only OEC remaining of three ever built
Fully restored with modern safety upgrades in 2016
New engine 2020
Beautifully trimmed
Cover star of Flyer magazine

The Appeal

Leaning very much into the “& Classic” aspect of our name, here we have something a little different. One of just three WACO OEC biplanes, it was built in 1932 and, following a full restoration in 2016, it’s the only one that is still airworthy.

In case you’re not familiar with classic American aeroplanes (for which we’d forgive you), WACO stands for Weaver Aircraft Company, Ohio, an aircraft manufacturer that built a variety of planes between 1919 and 1947.

This cabin biplane has a fully enclosed cockpit which seats four, very comfortably and, with extensive glazing, offers panoramic views. It was fully restored in 2016 when it took to the skies for the first time since 1984 and received a new engine in 2020.

With fewer than 100 hours of use since the rebuild, fewer than 20 hours on the engine and an annual inspection completed in May 2023, it’s ready for its next owner to enjoy immediately. It currently resides at Enstone Airfield where Tom Gilbert and his team at Enstone Aviation, a leading specialist in classic American aircraft, is based and is on hand to offer maintenance and advice.

In addition, one of the current owners is a former RAF and Boeing Dreamliner pilot and has offered, by separate negotiation, the new owner flying lessons in their new plane.

So, whether you’re an experienced pilot or are interested in classic American aircraft, this presents an amazing opportunity to enjoy a fabulous piece of history.

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History and Paperwork

Built 1932 in Troy, Ohio, one of three
Uniquely, it was factory fitted with a 16usg auxiliary fuel tank in the starboard lower wing and a hand operated wobble pump to transfer fuel to the two upper wing tanks
Originally equipped with a Kinner C5 5-cylinder radial engine of 210hp and Hamilton Standard metal propeller, it has spent its entire flying life on the West Coast of the USA
In 1943, it was put into storage with 771 hours on the clock
During the Fifties, it was re-engined with a 220hp Continental W-670 7-cylinder radial engine and, although it is not believed to have flown with this particular engine, the change of power plant meant that the model was re-designated UEC, joining the fleet of 45 of this model built up to February 1933 (this can be seen with the overstamp of ‘U’ over the ‘O’ on the model designation)
In 1960, the aircraft was brought back to flying condition after a major rebuild in Oregon with an ex-US Navy Continental R670-11 engine of 220hp installed and a Sensenich wooden propeller fitted
The aircraft then took to the air for the first time since 1943 and continued in service until 1984, having flown a total of 896 hours
In 2012, the aircraft was shipped to Germany and a complete restoration of the aircraft was begun
Acquired in pieces by the current owners in 2014, the restoration was completed in the UK in 2016 and an overhauled Continental W670-6A engine fitted with a new 98” Sensenich wooden propeller
A lead article on the restored aircraft was featured in the July 2017 edition of Flyer magazine
Fitted with an original spec Continental W-670 engine, shipped from the US at a cost of over $33,000, in 2020
The aircraft is accompanied by a wealth of history including a copy of the original order, flight logs, service records, a copy of Flyer and enough reading to keep the new owner occupied for some time!
It should be noted that the aircraft is US-registered which means that it has to be owned by a trust rather than an individual in the UK and this also places certain restrictions on its use and maintenance checks, though it can all be taken care of by the local specialist and the current owners can provide support and assistance upon transfer
The service records show that the last annual inspection was completed in May 2023

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The Interior

Seating for four
Soft brown leather upholstery
Aluminium trim finished with painted burr walnut effect

Approached via the single door on the port side of the aircraft, the cabin is cosy and comfortable, having been retrimmed to a very high standard during the restoration process. Ths dashboard and window trims do a very convincing impersonation of burr walnut, as they have been carefully painted and lacquered by a former Rolls Royce lacquer expert. Like wafting through the air in the cabin of a classic Bentley.

The angle of the cabin while the aircraft is on the tarmac means that you need to clamber aboard carefully but, once up in the air and in level flight, the extensive glasshouse means that visibility is reportedly fabulous.

The “throwover” control column allows both front seat occupants to fly the plane (though landing is best left to the pilot in the left hand seat as the brakes can only be operated from there!) while the cigarette lighter socket allows a USB converter to charge your phone while you are in the air as a concession to modernity.

Often used by the current owners as transport to a weekend pub outing, the seller describes the experience of flying in it as ‘like wafting in a Bentley’. Given the quality of the fittings and the serenity of flying in a small aircraft, we can see what he means.

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The Exterior

Finished in the original colour scheme of Vermillion and Silver
Carefully recreated WACO badges
Presents very well

We’re not sure about you but, on first acquaintance, the appearance of this aircraft puts us very much in mind of the mode of transport used by a certain Fedora-wearing adventurer when globe trotting under a surging red line on the map. Movie references aside, it’s a fine looking thing from any angle.

The airframe consists of steel tube, wood and fabric, the last of which is a modern material called Cenonite which is considerably more durable than the linen that would have been used in its original construction.

The correct colour scheme (according to the factory order) is rendered in modern paint too, so, while it all looks original, it should last well. At the business end, the radial engine is fronted by a Sensenich wooden propeller which remains in great condition.

As you’d hope, there are no faults to point out and it’s all set to go.

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The Mechanics

Seven cylinder radial Continental W-670 engine good for 220bhp
Two-blade Sensenich wood propellor
Cleveland disc brake upgrade
Electrical system brought up to modern standards with a JASCO alternator, a TRIG radio and transponder and a four-place intercom

While the mechanical specification is largely original, there are a few upgrades in the name of safety. Modern disc brakes provide some welcome additional stopping power and the electrical system has been upgraded in ways that can’t be seen but which provide more reassurance. This means that this classic aircraft can readily be enjoyed today.

Following safety checks and the right preparation, the engine fires easily and we witnessed the aircraft taxi and take off without any issue at all. With help on hand from the current owners and specialist support available at Enstone Airfield, it should be straightforward for the new owner to get in the air.

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Summary

This is a very original aircraft, still wearing its original US registration and it appears today in the exact colours in which it left the factory on 25 May 1932. This unique plane remains one of the lowest houred and earliest WACO Cabin biplanes still in flying condition anywhere in the world and would make a great way to get into vintage aircraft or to expand an existing collection.

BEFORE YOU BUY

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