Description:
1974 Thorp T-18 – $43,000
Location: Napa, CA
Contact: John Kempkey – (707) 363-8074
This 1974 Thorp T-18, originally built by Ed Kempkey (B-17 pilot, A&E mechanic, and metal shop teacher), has 750 total airframe hours and features a freshly overhauled Lycoming O-320 engine (0 SMOH, $32,234 per Lyc-Con invoice dated 4/9/24). The aircraft includes new SureFly dual electronic mags, a zero-time SMOH governor, and a Hartzell constant-speed propeller (needs overhaul).
The airframe is all-metal, including cowl, wingtips, stabilizer tips, and wheel fairings—no fiberglass. It has dual rudder and brake controls, basic instruments, and a KX 155 radio. Always hangared at APC, this T-18 was built under John Thorp’s direct advisement and approval.
Project Status:
Requires engine reinstallation, new rubber hoses, brake work, and ADS-B Out installation.
A very straight-flying T-18 with a solid build history.
Optional Tooling & Parts Package ($5,000):
Includes cowl cheeks, steel cowl forms, jigging, tail tips, wing tips, and wheel fairing molds. These precision-made aluminum tooling components have surface rust but are valuable for any Thorp T-18 builder.
Selling due to health reasons. Serious inquiries only.
