Ford v Ferrari: Epic Showdown and Classic Cars Take Center Stage
In a battle for the ages, Ford took on Ferrari in a quest to dominate the legendary Le Mans endurance race. But the real star of the show was the iconic figures from the automotive industry of yesteryear. Henry Ford II, Enzo Ferrari, Carroll Shelby, Lee Iacocca, Ken Miles, and a host of others came together for an unforgettable clash.
The film also showcased the legendary cars that defined the industry back then. From the Ford GT40 to Corvettes, Ferraris, and AC Cobras, these timeless beauties stole the spotlight. But there was one unexpected surprise – a plane. The Beechcraft Model 18, also known as the Twin Beech, made a memorable appearance.
During a pivotal scene, Carroll Shelby (played by Matt Damon) arrives at the launch of the new Ford Mustang, accompanied by a group of Ford executives. Their mode of transport? The Twin Beech. Shelby, ever the daredevil, convinces the pilot to let him take control of the landing, much to the astonishment of everyone on board.
Interestingly, this plane has a rich history beyond the silver screen. Originally serving the Royal Canadian Air Force, it made its way to the United States in 1966. It even had a stint as a haunted house during Halloween festivities. But its true claim to fame came in 1985 when it appeared in an episode of the TV series Crime Story. Since then, it has graced the screens in various movies, including Amelia Earhart: The Final Flight, Terminal Velocity, Man on the Moon, and even commercials for Pepsi, Honda, and Bud Light.
Recently, the Twin Beech went up for sale at the Barrett-Jackson auction. With its star status, expectations were high. However, it fetched a respectable sum of $253,000. While it may not have reached astronomical heights, it still made a significant impact. Especially when you consider that other custom cars at the Scottsdale auction sold for much higher prices.
Now under new ownership, the future of the Twin Beech remains uncertain. Will it continue to captivate audiences on the screen or find its way back to the auction block? Only time will tell. But one thing is for sure – this plane has left an indelible mark on both the world of aviation and entertainment.