Looking like a cross between a Cessna, a Yugo, and a wooden clog, this is the 1954 Taylor Aerocar N-101D. One of only five ever made by the mid-century company, the air and street-worthy vehicle is now on sale for the low, low price of $1.25 million. If you’re tired of waiting for those other flying car companies to deliver your dreams, it’s the deal of the century.
According to Paleofuture, the seller is Minneapolis resident and airplane collector Greg Herrick. Those interested in purchasing the extremely rare and completely functional vehicle should see Herrick’s classified ad, which boasts some impressive stats on this unique mode of transportation:
This historic flying car is Certificated in the FAA’s Standard Airworthiness Category. When used as an automobile, the AEROCAR’s wings fold back and can be towed behind the car. In about 10 minutes the wings can be folded back into place and the car again becomes an airplane.
The AEROCAR features side-by-side seating for two. Advanced for its time, most of the fuselage skin is of composite material and the car is front wheel drive. In flight the wings are high and unobtrusive. Powered by a Lycoming O-320 Engine the propeller is mounted at the end of a long tail cone, the latter angled up for propeller clearance. Cruise speed is about 100 mph. Takeoff speed in 55 mph and the airplane is controlled by the same steering wheel as is used for driving.
Herrick has apparently been trying to sell the Aerocar on and off since December of last year, but owning such a unique vehicle comes with some irritations. For one thing, you won’t be able to get parts for it. For another, Herrick tells Paleofuture, owning what is both a plane and a car requires two separate forms of insurance.
Still, it’s not everyday that a flying car goes on sale. For everyone complaining about how we live in the future but lack jet packs and flying cars, I encourage you to put your money where your mouth is.
(via Paleofuture)
- I’m still cautiously optimistic about this flying car
- If an flying car isn’t your thing, perhaps you’d prefer this truckcar
- Or maybe this Gene Simmonsmobile
- The world’s oldest flying car was on sale not long ago
