The 1961 Beechcraft Baron 55: A Timeless Twin-Engine Marvel with a Modern Touch

Cruise in style and safety in this fully airworthy with a newly restored interior Twin Baron. Auction starts October 9th to October 16th. This aircraft is available for in person viewing in advance of and during the auction period. A 1961 Beechcraft Baron 95-A55 is a classic family hauler or corporate cruiser. Plenty of payload for all of your guests.

 Known for its solid construction, impressive performance, and versatility, the Baron 55 has remained a popular choice among pilots for decades. This particular model, with its newly refurbished interior and low-time engines and props, represents a unique opportunity for discerning buyers looking for a reliable and high-performance aircraft. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the history of the Beechcraft Baron 55, its uses, and the history of the Beechcraft company, while also highlighting the specific features and auction details of this 1961 model.

Beechcraft History: A Legacy of Innovation

Beechcraft has long been a name synonymous with quality, innovation, and performance in the aviation industry. Founded in 1932 by Walter H. Beech and his wife Olive Ann Beech, the company quickly established itself as a leader in aircraft manufacturing. Beechcraft’s commitment to excellence was evident from the start, with the introduction of the Beechcraft Model 17 Staggerwing, an advanced biplane that set new standards for speed, comfort, and luxury in the 1930s.

Throughout the years, Beechcraft continued to innovate, developing a range of successful aircraft, including the Bonanza, King Air, and, of course, the Baron. The Baron series, introduced in 1961, was designed as a twin-engine variant of the Bonanza, offering greater power, performance, and capacity. The Baron quickly gained a reputation for its solid build, reliable engines, and excellent handling characteristics, making it a favorite among private pilots and charter operators alike.

The Birth of the Baron 55: A Twin-Engine Powerhouse

The Beechcraft Baron 55 made its debut in 1961 as part of the company’s efforts to create a twin-engine aircraft that combined the best features of the Bonanza with the added safety and performance of two engines. The Baron 55 was designed to be a versatile aircraft, capable of handling a wide range of missions, from personal transportation to light commercial use.

The Baron 55 featured a sleek, aerodynamic design, with a low-wing configuration and retractable landing gear. Powered by two Continental IO-470-L engines, each producing 260 horsepower, the Baron 55 offered impressive speed, range, and climb performance. Its spacious cabin, capable of seating up to five passengers, made it an ideal choice for business and leisure travel.

Over the years, the Baron 55 underwent several upgrades and improvements, with the A55 model introduced in 1961 offering enhancements in avionics, interior comfort, and overall performance. The Baron 55’s reputation for reliability and versatility has endured, making it a sought-after aircraft for pilots who demand the best in performance and value.

The 1961 Beechcraft Baron 55: A Detailed Look

This particular 1961 Beechcraft Baron 55, registration number N201UC and serial number TC-225, is an exceptional example of the model, boasting a newly redone interior and low-time engines and props. Let’s take a closer look at the key features and specifications of this aircraft, as well as the details of the upcoming auction.

Airframe

The airframe of this 1961 Beechcraft Baron 55 is in excellent condition, with a total time of 4,075 hours. The aircraft has been meticulously maintained, with the most recent annual inspection completed in April 2024. The Baron 55’s airframe is renowned for its durability and robust construction, making it a reliable choice for both short and long-haul flights.

With a fuel capacity of 136 gallons, the Baron 55 offers a range of 745 nautical miles, making it well-suited for cross-country trips. The aircraft’s stall speed is 66 knots, and it has a useful load of 1,600 pounds, allowing for ample cargo or passenger capacity. The Baron 55’s cruise speed of 190 knots ensures swift and efficient travel, whether for business or pleasure.

Engines

This Baron 55 is powered by two Continental IO-470L engines, known for their reliability and performance. The right engine, with serial number 92380-6-L-R, has 325 hours since major overhaul (SMOH), while the left engine, with serial number 192112-7-L-R, has only 10 hours SMOH. The engines were overhauled by reputable shops, with the right engine’s overhaul completed by Custom Airmotive Inc. in 1977, and the left engine’s overhaul completed by Signature Aircraft Engines in 2017.

The engine compressions are impressive, with the right engine showing 70/80, 77/80, 77/80, 70/80, 77/80, and 76/80 across its six cylinders, and the left engine showing 77/80, 78/80, 77/80, 78/80, 79/80, and 75/80. These low-time engines ensure reliable and efficient operation, providing peace of mind for the next owner.

Propellers

The propellers on this Baron 55 are also in excellent condition, with low time since overhaul. The right propeller, a McCauley 2AF36C39XP model, has 100 hours SMOH, with the overhaul completed by Whirlwind Propeller Service, Inc. in March 1991. The left propeller, a McCauley 2AF36C39-NO model, has only 10 hours SMOH, with the overhaul completed by Western Aircraft Propeller Service in October 2016.

Both propellers are equipped with S-78BFM-0 blades, which are known for their durability and performance. The propellers’ low time since overhaul, combined with their high-quality construction, ensures smooth and efficient operation, contributing to the overall reliability of the aircraft.

Avionics

The avionics suite in this Baron 55 is equipped with a range of essential instruments and navigation systems, ensuring safe and efficient flight operations. The avionics include a KMA 20 TSO Audio Panel, two TKM MX 170 (new) Nav/Comm units, and a Narco AT 150 TSO Transponder. Additionally, the aircraft is equipped with a uAvionix Tailbeacon ADS-B Out system, ensuring compliance with modern air traffic control requirements.

The Baron 55’s avionics suite also includes essential flight instruments such as an AirSpeed Indicator, Clock, Altimeter, Attitude Indicator, Vertical Speed Indicator, Turn Coordinator, Heading Indicator, Fuel Pressure Gauge, and Manifold Pressure Gauge. These instruments provide the pilot with all the necessary information for safe and accurate navigation, making this Baron 55 a dependable choice for both VFR and IFR operations.

Exterior

The exterior of this 1961 Beechcraft Baron 55 is in very good condition, with a classic paint scheme of white with red and blue stripes. The aircraft has always been hangared, ensuring that its exterior has been well-preserved over the years. The Baron 55’s exterior is also ceramic coated, providing additional protection against the elements and maintaining its polished appearance.

The Baron 55’s sleek, aerodynamic design not only enhances its performance but also adds to its visual appeal. The combination of the white base color with red and blue accents gives the aircraft a timeless, yet modern look, making it a standout on the tarmac.

Interior

One of the most notable features of this Baron 55 is its newly redone interior. The interior has been refurbished to provide a modern, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing environment for both the pilot and passengers. The seats are upholstered in light gray and dark blue tones, complemented by dark blue carpeting and tan seat belts. The instrument panel is finished in tan and black, creating a cohesive and sophisticated look.

The new interior not only enhances the overall comfort of the aircraft but also adds value by providing a fresh, modern feel that is often lacking in older aircraft. The attention to detail in the interior refurbishment ensures that the next owner will enjoy a comfortable and stylish flying experience.

Additional Features

In addition to its low-time engines and props, newly redone interior, and excellent avionics suite, this Baron 55 comes with several additional features that further enhance its value. The aircraft has been freshly detailed, ensuring that it looks as good as it performs. The left propeller was overhauled in 2016, and the left engine was overhauled in 2017, providing additional peace of mind for the next owner.

The aircraft is also equipped with ADS-B Out, ensuring compliance with modern air traffic control requirements and enhancing situational awareness. With an annual inspection completed in April 2024, this Baron 55 is ready to take to the skies with confidence.

Auction Information

This 1961 Beechcraft Baron 55 is scheduled to be auctioned from October 9, 2024, to October 16, 2024. The starting bid for this exceptional aircraft is set at $60,000, with a buyer premium of 6%. A deposit of $2,000 is required to participate in the auction, providing serious buyers with the opportunity to acquire a reliable and well-maintained light twin-engine aircraft at a competitive price.

Conclusion: A Reliable and Modernized Classic

The 1961 Beechcraft Baron 55 remains a testament to Beechcraft’s legacy of quality and innovation. With its solid construction, impressive performance, and newly refurbished interior, this Baron 55 offers an excellent balance of value and performance. Whether you’re a seasoned pilot looking for a reliable cross-country aircraft or an aviation enthusiast seeking a classic twin-engine model, this Baron 55 is a compelling choice.