Ford v Ferrari is a story that revolves around Ford’s battle against Ferrari to claim victory at the prestigious Le Mans endurance race. What makes this movie truly remarkable is the portrayal of iconic figures from the automotive industry of the past, including Henry Ford II, Enzo Ferrari, Carroll Shelby, Lee Iacocca, Ken Miles, and many others.
The film also showcases the legendary cars that played a significant role in shaping the industry during that era. From the Ford GT40 to Corvettes, Ferraris, and AC Cobras, these vehicles take center stage. Notably, there is even a Beechcraft Model 18 (also known as Twin Beech) featured in one scene. It appears when Carroll Shelby, accompanied by a group of Ford executives, arrives at the launch of the new Ford Mustang. The entire group travels by air, and Shelby (played by Matt Damon) persuades the pilot to let him attempt the landing, much to everyone’s surprise.
In reality, this plane has garnered attention throughout its history. Originally serving in the Royal Canadian Air Force, it made its way to the United States in 1966. It then underwent a transformation into a haunted house, providing thrills on Halloween. Since then, the Twin Beech has made appearances in various films, such as Crime Story (1985), Amelia Earhart: The Final Flight (1994), Terminal Velocity (1994), Man on the Moon (1999), and even House. Additionally, you may have seen it in commercials for Pepsi, Honda, and Bud Light.
Earlier this year, the plane was put up for sale and went under the hammer at the Barrett-Jackson auction. With its celebrity status, it was expected to fetch a substantial amount of money. While it did sell for $253,000, it fell short of the owners’ high expectations. Nonetheless, it is still a significant sum, although not as much as some of the custom cars that were sold in Scottsdale.
The future plans for the plane under its new ownership remain uncertain. We will keep a close watch, both on the screen and at future auctions, to see where it ends up.