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Barrett-Jackson to Auction Rare 1929 Ford Tri-Motor Airplane

When the 38th Annual Barrett-Jackson Auction starts in January a special airplane will be offered to prospective bidders. A 1929 Ford 4-AT-E Tri-Motor is scheduled to sell at no reserve, a rare plane that is sure to attract many aviation fans.

According to Barrett-Jackson, this particular Tri-Motor operated as a passenger plane in its early life, spending time in Spokane and Honolulu. It was present during the attack on Pearl Harbor in World War II and suffered minor fire damage. Later in life, the plane was modified into a fire fighting tanker by Johnson Flying Service in Montana. Since then, the Tri-Motor has been privately owned as part of a museum collection and undergone a restoration to original factory specifications.

Because the plane will not physically cross the block during the auction, Barrett-Jackson organizers will hold a preview for interested bidders on Dec. 6 and 7 at the Goldsboro-Wayne Municipal Airport in Pikeville, N.C. Given the recent cutbacks automakers are suffering (including their private jet fleets), we're guessing Alan Mulally won't be in attendance with the corporate credit card.

Source: Barret-Jackson