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Freddie March Spirit of Aviation

Presented by Bonhams

A magnificent concours d'elegance for pre-1966 aircraft which brings together some of the most elegant and rarely-seen machines from the history of aviation.

Previous winners

1st - 1939 Douglas C41A

American Airlines persuaded Douglas to design and build a sleeper transport aircraft based on the DC2. The prototype Douglas Sleeper Transport first flew in 1935 and was slightly larger than the DC2. A version with 21 seats was given the designation DC3 and flew straight off the production line without a prototype having flown first. Total production of all variants including military versions, eventually reached 16,079 aircraft

The DC3 is a variant designated C41A and is one of two delivered in September 1939 and requisitioned by Major General Henry (Hap) Arnold as a VIP transport. With a well-appointed main cabin, the C41A was based at Bolling Army Airfield Washington DC. The aircraft retains its original tail insignia and bare metal finish and has only amassed 9,500 flying hours.

2nd - 1946 Luscombe Silvaire

Don A. Luscombe formed the Luscombe Aircraft Engineering Company in Kansas City USA in 1933. The company moved to New Jersey in 1937 and produced the Luscombe 50 (Model 8) that had a metal monocoque fuselage and metal wing structure with fabric covering. In March 1940 the name Silvaire was introduced for the deluxe version. During WWII Luscombe aircraft re-located to Dallas in Texas and in 1946 produced the model 8E with an all-metal wing design.

The Luscombe Silvaire 8E on display was built in 1946. Previously registered D-EFYR in Germany the aircraft was registered G-LUSC in the UK in 1984. Powered by an 85hp (63Kw) Continental engine the Silvaire 8E differed from previous marks by having a fuselage tank replaced with wing tanks that made space for rear windows and a shelf in the fuselage.

3rd - 1914-type Bristol Scout

The Bristol Scout was first flown in 1914 and became the prototype single seater fighter due to its unique combination of speed and manoeuvrability and was used for many other firsts in aviation.

This original aircraft was flown by Flight Sub Lieutenant FDH Bremner RNAS in 1915 from Imbros and Thassos in the Eastern Mediterranean. In 1983 the stick, rudder bar and magneto were found by his grandson who, with Theo Willford, researched, rebuilt and now flies the aircraft. It is an exact reproduction in every detail of the original and is the only airworthy Bristol Scout in the world.

Astronaut Tim Peake at the 2019 Freddie March Spirit of Aviation.

Goodwood Aero Club Ambassador, Kate McWilliams, at the 2019 Freddie March Spirit of Aviation.

The Judges

We had some very special judges for the 2019 Freddie March Spirit of Aviation including one from out of space! Astronaut Tim Peake was part of the panel that chose the DC3 as this year's winner. We were also delighted to be joined by Goodwood Aero Club Ambassador Kate McWilliams plus Robert Brooks and Bill Charney.

Freddie March

Freddie March, Charles March's grandfather, has a fascinating history mostly revolving around the worlds of motor racing and aviation. The Freddie March Spirit of Aviation seeks to celebrate his connection with flight, whilst also giving a nod towards Goodwood Motor Circuit's period as RAF Westhampnett during the Second World War.

As well as serving in the RAF, Freddie formed Hordern-Richmond with a friend and together they developed aircraft and motor car design concepts that influenced both of these industries. More than anything, Freddie simply had an enduring passion for them, both at the drawing board and behind the wheel.

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