On March 7, 1936, famed test pilot Eddie Allen arrived in Tulsa and made the first test flights in the Spartan Aircraft Company's "Standard Seven." This new aircraft would ultimately develop into what became known as the 7W, or the Spartan "Executive." 34 production models were ultimately built. About 20 or so survive today. At the start of WWII, many privately owned Executives were impressed into military service. They served with the USAAF, RAF and RCAF. One specially built example, the 7P, was a photo-recon version that was delivered to China and served during the early stages of WWII in the Pacific with the Chinese Nationalist Army. Some of the earliest 7Ws were exported to Mexico, and ultimately found their way into the Spanish Civil War. Not a bad military record for a civilian passenger transport built by a little company in Tulsa, OK. Amazingly enough, none are displayed at the present time in a military paint scheme. (hint hint!) Below are some photos of the Prototype, along with a couple that show the 7W in its service colors. Happy birthday to the Spartan Executive, and congratulations to all of the great Spartan owners. Jim, Steve and others- thanks for keeping your beautiful examples of this great type flying and available for all of us to appreciate!
kevin



and the fate of the 7P, in its Chinese Nationalist colors...
