Gang I would have to agree that the visibility of beautiful Ercoupes is not has high as, say, Cubs, Cessna 195's, Beech Staggerwings or Swifts. Having said that, I have personally seen three that have been restored to better-then-new condition both from a mechanical standpoint and from a cosmetic standpoint. I'll reveal two of the three at the end of this email! I believe the reason for fewer restored Coupes than other model antiques is economics. Many of us own coupes because they are very inexpensive to buy (me included). Many of us don't have the resources to do a Oshkosh winning restoration, say 30 to 50 thousand. There also is no market for a $60,000 Ercoupe but Staggerwings sell for up to $1,000,000 and Cubs for close to $100,000. Guys that can buy Beech Staggerwings typically have more dough than people who buy Ercoupes, and they use that money to make them beautiful. To make an analogy to cars, when is the last time you saw a beautifully restored Chevy Vega? Probably never, but there are lots of gorgeous Mercedes 280s.
Two show stopping Ercoupes I have seen are the ones belonging to Syd Cohen and Ed Benguiat. Syd's is very original, retaining that classic, retro 1940's style. Ed, on the other hand, has forgone the original look and made his interior rival a Lexus, further adorned with a state-of-the-art panel. Then, peek under the cowling....it's as polished and chromed as the finest hotrod! The third one that is also pretty damn beautiful will be at the convention this year, then at Oshkosh...but I wouldn't tell you the owner. Come see for yourselves! Glen Glen Davis 917 297 1111 www.ishootpictures.com www.ercoupepilot.com
