GRANDVILLE BROTHERS “GEE BEE”€

During the Great Depression of the early 1930s, almost all American businesses felt the strain, including aviation. The Grandville Brothers decided to take a shot at substantial prize money offered at air racing events. With an engine borrowed from Pratt & Whitney and propeller borrowed from Curtiss, the Gee Bee Model Z Sportser entered the competition. In one race, the Gee Bee averaged 267.342 miles per hour, the fastest speed ever recorded for a land plane. Later in the year with a upgraded 800-hp Pratt & Whitney R-1340, the model Z was clock in at 281.75 mph. None of the original Gee Bees survive, but replicas still fly at a variety of air shows.