Beechcraft Model G35 Bonanza VH-CWR (c/n D-4693) was the first of its type imported into Australia in 1956. It was imported by the Australian Beech distributors Aviation Sales Pty. Ltd. for a private owner in Queensland and registered on 12 September of that year. This photo shows the aircraft at Melbourne/Essendon Airport shortly after its importation, the object of great interest.

The Bonanza was the latest word in light aircraft design. Contemporary reports give the colour scheme as cream fuselage and tail, light green cheat line and red wings. It was also reported that trouble was experienced obtaining an Import Licence because of restrictions on US dollar imports in the post-war years.

Eight years later, DCA would purchase four Model S35 Bonanzas for its own fleet.

VH-CWR spent some years lying semi-derelict at Canberra, ACT, but as of 2008 the aircraft has been acquired by Paul Murray and his father for restoration.

Click here to see another shot of this aircraft

(Photo: Alan Fraser via Maurice Austin)

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