A Shopper’s Market: 5 Interesting Rare Birds from 2023 on ‘AircraftForSale’

After my employer, Flying Media Group, acquired the aviation marketplace Aircraft For Sale, I began writing short daily articles about listed aircraft, including history about the featured make and model and details about the specific listed aircraft. This is a great way to keep track of pricing, availability, and other market trends, as well as being an encouraging reminder of how many interesting and unique aircraft are out there looking for new homes.

As the owner of a Commander 114B, I am familiar with the question, “What type of airplane is that?” and the joy of providing the answer, especially the long version. While flying a rare airplane can be a lot of fun, it is not without a measure of concern regarding parts and service support, not to mention the potential added expense of keeping such “orphans” airworthy.

Spending a lot of time perusing Aircraft For Sale, I realized that my Commander is relatively mainstream and plentiful compared with some of the machines that crop up on the site, like the 1967 Nanchang CJ-6A, a Chinese military trainer that made its way to the U.S. or the former Soviet 1991 Antonov An-2 utility biplane now outfitted like a recreational vehicle. I often wonder how owners of these aircraft go about sourcing spare parts, but mostly I think about how much fun they must have traveling in these rare birds.

The following are a few that caught my attention – and held it – during the past year.  

1951 Hawker Sea Fury ‘Furias’

Have you ever considered air racing? There are several ways to get involved, but buying a genuine racing aircraft with a long history seems like the most direct route. Spotting Furias for sale brought back memories of watching the aircraft in action for decades during the National Championship Air Races in Reno, Nevada.

1980 North American Sabreliner

Speaking of Reno makes me think of R.A. Bob Hoover, the legendary test pilot and aviator extraordinaire who for many years paced the Unlimited racers at Reno and gave memorable aerobatic demonstrations between races in a variety of seemingly unlikely aircraft including a Saberliner. On the practical side, this aircraft would make a fine family or business transporter.

1943 Douglas DC-3

The DC-3 is such a legend that every pilot I know wants a type rating in the airplane. A few have that honor already. The versatile twin transport is known for many things, such as being the first profitable airliner, but the fact that many of them are still operating, hauling goods and making money, might be the most impressive thing about the aircraft.

1954 de Havilland DHC-2 Beaver Mk I

While the Beaver is far from common, there are quite a few of them plying the skies around Alaska and throughout Canada’s rural territories. One problem for would-be buyers is that owners rarely give up their beloved Beavers if they can possibly avoid it. For pilots seeking an outdoor lifestyle full of aerial backcountry exploration, the right Beaver is worth the wait.  

1975 Great Lakes 2T-1A-2

The Great Lakes is a classic “sport biplane” design, meaning it is meant to be flown with vigor, often as an aerobatic trainer. Indeed, many well-known pilots flew and competed in Great Lakes biplanes into the 1960s before monoplane designs took over. This colorful example would make an exciting personal transport for a solo pilot or one with a single, special passenger.