PHILO LUND MEMORIAL COLLECTION
No. 8499. Chester Special (NR12930 c/n 1) "Jeep"
Photographed at Oshkosh, Wisconsin, USA. August 1, 2008, by Philo Lund

Chester Special

12/31/2008. Remarks by Johan Visschedijk: "Arthur 'Art' Chester designed the Special for the 1932 National Air Races (to be held at Cleveland, Ohio, USA, August 27 to September 5), and although it was first flown on August 14, 1932, it proved to need a number of changes and it was not ready for the Races. Powered by an 185 hp Menasco C4S the aircraft entered the 1933 National Air Races (Los Angeles, California, July 1 to 4). By the 1936 National Air Races (, Los Angeles, California, September 4 to 7) the aircraft was named "Jeep". Last race flown by Chester was the 1937 National Air Races (Cleveland, Ohio, September 3 to 6).

The "Jeep" was shown at the 1938 Chicago Airshow, Illinois, whereafter the aircraft was sold to Tom Stauch and completely rebuild and fitted with a 85 hp Continental C85 engine, it was flown by William Falck in the 1947 National Air Races (Cleveland, Ohio, August 30 to September 1). Eventually it was acquired Art Kilps, who donated the "Jeep" to the EAA in 1977. Restored to its 1936-37 racing configuration, the aircraft is presently on display in the EAA AirVenture Museum."


Created December 31, 2008