Original 1917 Sopwith Camel
Serial No. B6291, Reg. No. G-ASOP
This is the premier example of the most famous fighter of
WW1. There are only 4 other F-1
Camels left in the world today. In
addition, there are 3 Navy Type Camels designated 2F-1.
All of these are permanently in museums in various stages of originality.
Even the Army, Navy, Air Force and Smithsonian museums do not have a
"real" Camel! They
have only replicas.
This is the only well documented original flyable Camel.
This is the only remaining one that was built by Sopwith.
All others were built by subcontractors at other factories.
This is the only complete Camel with documented history
placing it in an operational squadron on the western front during WW1 (No. 10
Squadron).
This Camel was restored to flying status in 1989 by British
Aerospace Company in the same factory, Kingston on Thames, where it was
originally constructed in 1917.
This is the only Camel to have its original data plate.
This 88-year old Camel is unmatched in condition and in historical
importance by any Camel in the world today.
The airframe and the 110 hp LeRhone engine were carefully overhauled and
test flown. All work was
professionally documented.
Recent independent appraisals of this Camel show a high appraised value of $2.8 million and a low of $1.6 million. If you have a serious interest in purchasing this airplane, please contact me at 702-723-1214.
THIS IS PROBABLY THE LAST TIME IN HISTORY THAT AN ORIGINAL WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE OR EXCHANGE - EVER!!
Compared to the 20th Century we live in a fairly peaceful world. No-one should underestimate the horrors of war - but is there something about a need for excitement that is hard wired into the human mind?
In the United Kingdom around 89% of all traffic law violations are committed by young males under the age of 25. Their conviction rate is so bad that many of them cannot even get insurance in the normal way: specialist convicted driver insurance is now big business! The reason is a need for pure adrenaline; youngsters see their cars as exciting machines that reflect their own aggressive personalities, and flouting road traffic regulations as a means of cocking a snoot at authority.
It is hardly surprising that UK car insurance rates are so high for young drivers with many paying more in insurance premiums every year than their cars are worth. Perhaps, rather than pricing them off the road, a more useful project would be to channel this excess energy into something exciting and dangerous but also useful? Sadly though the 'health and safety' lobby would soon forbid it. Young drivers will continue to take out their aggression on the road, their convictions will continue to mount up and their car insurance premiums will stay stratospheric.
