B-23 39-63 is in the news...

[marine air]

I talked to a wealthy local guy that tried to buy the ex-Bogue B-23 a few years ago. He had flown them in the 1970's and had the type rating. He had plenty of money but the guy managing the estate wouldn't sell the aircraft. He offered plenty of money and they just got increasingly more rude. Finally they told him that they had a "billionaire fish on the line" and were planning on doing a 2 million dollar restoration. It could've been made ferriable at that time. It was in the Sanders' hangar.
Later they had pictures dismantled and with the fuselage gutted. It would take a million bucks for it to ever fly again.
So, like the last flyable Privateer, if you are lucky enough to see the last flyable B-23, spend some time and take a lot of pictures. I doubt there will be another flyer.

[JohnB]

Sounds like b.s....are there any "Billionaires" in the hobby?
I don't see Warren Buffet trading his Guftstream for a B-23.

Sometimes seller's get greedy and pass on a fair offer, all the while the item deteriorates to scrap value. It happens all the time in the old car hobby.
Some fool let's a car rust away while expecting Jay Leno to call.

[RobC]

A couple of years ago, the Slattery B-23 was moved to Marana, AZ from Ione. I haven't been up there for awhile so don't know if it is still there.

[cwmc]

It is.
Chris...

[sledge39]

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... N777LW 39-0063 looked the same in 1971 ... (Chino 10 July 1971) ...