Air Racer Z by Gee Bee
Product details
| Management number | 213356959 | Release Date | 2026/04/12 | List Price | $36.00 | Model Number | 213356959 | ||
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In 2013, Sam introduced a series of Air Racers at SUN n FUN, culminating with this yellow and black Gee Bee Z. Unveiled on August 22, 1931, the Model Z was compact at 15-ft. 1-inch. Crafted in under five weeks for under $5,000, it featured a supercharged Pratt & Whitney R-985 engine. First flown on August 22, 1931, it was challenging to fly but excelled in speed. Piloted by Lowell Bayles, it won multiple races, including the Thompson Trophy, beating competitors like Jimmy Doolittle. Post-race, it attempted a world speed record but crashed tragically on December 5, 1931, killing Bayles. The 16 x 20 prints are available in a Limited Edition of 100 Signed & Numbered prints and 10 Artist Proofs. The original acrylic painting is also for sale.
- Series Introduction: Sam presented four Air Racers at SUN n FUN 2013, culminating in the yellow and black Gee Bee Z
- Economic Crisis Initiative: During the Great Depression, the Granville Brothers embarked on building an aircraft to compete in the Thompson Trophy race, aiming to boost orders for their sporting aircraft line
- Rapid Construction: Assembled in under five weeks for under $5,000, the Gee Bee Model Z was a compact, powerful aircraft with a supercharged Pratt & Whitney R-985 radial engine
- Initial Flight & Racing Success: The Gee Bee Z's first flight on August 22, 1931, revealed challenging handling but impressive speed, with pilot Lowell Bayles winning multiple races
- Thompson Trophy Triumph: Bayles secured victory in the Thompson Trophy Race, outpacing competitors like Jimmy Doolittle and Jimmy Wedell with an average speed of 236.24 mph
- Speed Record Attempt & Tragic End: Post-race, the Gee Bee Z was re-engined for a world speed record attempt, but a wing failure during a trial run on December 5, 1931, resulted in a fatal crash
- Print Edition Details: The 16 x 20 prints are available in a Limited Edition of 100 Signed & Numbered prints and 10 Artist Proofs
- Original Painting Availability: The original acrylic painting is also for sale at $4,500. Contact Lyons Studio for a framed original photo request
| Color | yellow and black |
|---|---|
| Theme | Vintage, Vehicle |
| Seasons | Summer |
| Material | Paper |
| Brand Name | Sam |
| Item Shape | Rectangular |
| Paint Type | Acrylic |
| Finish Type | Matte |
| Orientation | Landscape |
| Manufacturer | Lyons Studio |
| Paper Finish | Matte |
| Mounting Type | Wall Mount |
| Wall Art Form | Art Print |
| Age Range Description | Adult |
| Recommended Uses For Product | Living room decor, Office or workplace ambiance, Personal collection |
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