Ford Fliver
![]() Ford Flivver #1
Ford demanded a one man airplane that would fit in his office. Otto Koppen took the measurements and locked himself up with one of Ford's master craftsmen. The result was the 1926 Ford Flivver. The #1 unregistered Fliver single place open cockpit low wing monoplane was powered by a 36 hp Anzani, featured full-span combination flap/aileron, and cost $498 (original estimate). The Fliver was flown only by two people; one was Charles Lindbergh, who saw it in Ford's hangar during his triumphal tour of the United States.
![]() Ford Flivver #2 N268
Koppen designed a second Flivver, registered N268, a different craft in spite of its superficial resemblance to the first. In front was a Ford-developed 2-cylinder motor, created to break a world record in the 1,100 pound class. The 960 miles from Dearborn, Michigan to TitusAlle, Florida on 55 gallons of fuel. Unfortunately, the following day the pilot took it out for a short flight that turned out to be his, and the airplane's, last. The engine quit and the airplane went into the ocean. It floated ashore the next day; matchsticks that had been stuck in the fuel vents to prevent condensation, were still in place. ![]() Ford Flivver #3 N3218 March 1928
Both the #3 and #4 were registered N3218, and were powered with Ford motors. On 25 February 1928 , #3 crashed in Florida, killing test pilot Harry Brooks and Henry Ford was so shaken by the tragedy that he ordered further production of small planes halted. ![]() Ford Flivver #4
The wreckage of #3 was either restored or used as basis for restoration as #4 for display in the Ford Museum. ![]() Wreckage of #3
#1
Engine: 36hp Anzani
Wingspan: 21'9"
Length: 15'6"
Max speed: 85-95 mph
Cruise speed: 80 mph
Stall: 30 mph
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