A Globe Swift from 1946 Is a Sleek, Rare, and Rewarding ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick

Looking like a miniature fighter from World War II, the Swift offers sporty handling to match its appearance.

The Globe Swift gives pilots a taste of fighter-style handling. [Courtesy: Hiller Aviation]

Each day, the team at Aircraft For Sale picks an airplane that catches our attention because it is unique, represents a good deal, or has other interesting qualities. You can read Aircraft For Sale: Today’s Top Pick at FLYINGMag.com daily.

The Globe Swift has an interesting history that begins during aviation’s golden age between the wars but truly gets going in the wake of World War II. The sleek, low-wing, two-seater has fighter-like styling, retractable landing gear and  sliding canopy. Given these features, it is easy to understand the airplane’s appeal.

While not speed demons, Swifts move along well, generally between 104 to 112 ktas, on fairly low horsepower. A long list of STCs include engine upgrades that can push speeds higher. Early models came with 85 hp Continental engines that soon gave way to 125 hp versions, which improved performance significantly. Swift pilots tend to care more about the airplane’s responsive handling and light, tactile controls. Still, engines ranging above 200 hp and numerous other approved speed modifications can give the aircraft a racier feel.  

This Swift has 1,455 hours on the airframe and 77 hours on its Continental C-125-2 engine since overhaul. The panel includes an AV-30 multi-function flight instrument, an EDM 700 engine monitor with fuel flow, and Stratus ADS-B. 

Pilots interested in vintage aircraft that are fairly rare but reasonably economical to operate and maintain should consider this 1946 Globe GC-1B Swift, which is available for $49,900 on AircraftForSale.

You can arrange financing of the aircraft through FLYING Finance. For more information, email info@flyingfinance.com.

Jonathan Welsh is a private pilot who worked as a reporter, editor and columnist with the Wall Street Journal for 21 years, mostly covering the auto industry. His passion for aviation began in childhood with balsa-wood gliders his aunt would buy for him at the corner store. Follow Jonathan on Twitter @JonathanWelsh4

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