The story
Oilman William Skelly wanted a fast, comfortable airplane for himself and his oil-executive friends, and the Spartan Aircraft Company he founded in Tulsa built one. The Executive had an all-metal body, retractable gear and a 450 hp Wasp Junior, and it cruised at about 200 mph. A new one cost $23,500 in 1937, and only 34 production 7Ws were built, the last in September 1940. Owners included J. Paul Getty, racer Paul Mantz and King Ghazi of Iraq, and in 1942 the Army drafted more than a dozen as UC-71 staff transports.
The EAA Museum says owner George Mennen sprayed aftershave into the exhaust when he flew, to advertise his products. His Executive, the second production 7W, now belongs to the EAA Museum.
Quick answers
How do you identify a Spartan 7W Executive?
A low-wing single with a big round radial cowl, retractable gear and a tailwheel, and an all-metal skin. The cabin seats five, pilot included. Unlike the Beech Staggerwing of the same era, it has one wing, not two.
What does a Spartan 7W Executive sound like?
One 450 hp Wasp Junior, a deep nine-cylinder radial rumble.
How fast is the Spartan 7W Executive?
Top speed is 184 kts (212 mph).
How many passengers does the Spartan 7W Executive carry?
Up to 4. A typical layout is Five seats in a soundproofed luxury cabin.
How far can the Spartan 7W Executive fly?
Range is about 782 nmi.
How big is the Spartan 7W Executive?
It is 26 ft 10 in long and 39 ft 0 in across the wings.
When did the Spartan 7W Executive first fly?
Its first flight was in 1936.
How many Spartan 7W Executives have been built?
34 (7W); 36 Executives counting prototypes built.
How rare is a Spartan 7W Executive in Bogey?
COMMON. Everyday traffic. You will catch plenty of these, and every first catch still counts. Your first Spartan 7W Executive catch is worth 25 points.
