Monocoupe Collection
Monocoupe Aircraft List
1928 Monocoupe 70
Acquired with funds from Don Mayo, John Cheney, Ted Millar, and Ty Ross.
Engine: Velie M5, 55 HP
Built by Velie Motor Company from 1927-1929 the Monocoupe was among the first airplanes built specifically for private pilots. The Monocoupe is a Don A. Luscombe design with an enclosed cabin so one could dress for business while flying. The name “Monocoupe” stems from the marriage of monoplane (single wing) and coupe (a 2-passenger enclosed car). Monocoupe owners were almost obnoxious in their enthusiasm for it. During 1928 nearly 90% of all light airplanes built and sold in the U.S. were Monocoupes. Much of its success accrued to the Velie M-5 engine. Visibility from the cabin was excellent due to oversized windows and a skylight. Phoebe Omlie, the first woman to hold a Transport Pilot license, served ably as a goodwill ambassador for the Monocoupe airplane, flying hers in the National Air Tour and in the Women’s Air Derby of 1929. After the demise of the Velie Motor Company Monocoupe was sold.
Additional Specifications:
Cruise: 85 MPH
Top Speed: 98 MPH
Empty Weight: 795 lbs
Gross Weight: 1350 lbs
Wing Span: 32'
Length: 19'9"
Height: 6'3"
Service Ceiling: 10,500'
Climb in 1 Minute: 500' at sea level
Approximate Number Built: 370
(Data pulled from Joseph Juptner's U.S. Civil Aircraft series.)
1937 Monocoupe 110 Special
Donation: North Cascades Vintage Aircraft Museum
Engine: Warner Super Scarab, 185 HP
Monocoupe 110 Special was a speedster developed from the production Model 110. Modifications that racing pilots wanted to greatly improve its performance included shorter than stock wings (the wingspan was “clipped” from 32’ to 25’), an increase of power to as much as 185 HP, a full cowl for streamlining and improved cooling, wheel pants, smaller wheels and tailwheel and removing protrusions like the cabin step. The modified airplane reached 200 MPH at the 1932 National Air races in Cleveland, OH. The WAAAM airplane was the second of just seven 110 Specials built by the Monocoupe factory. A few others were similarly modified by private owners.