Beechcraft Model 18 Aircraft 1960s

Pre-1980 piston twins are largely 1960s-70s vintage workhorses — Cessna 310, original Baron 55/58, Piper Apache/Aztec/Twin Comanche. Engines are typically on second or third overhaul; avionics typically replaced; pressurised variants (rare in this era) need pressure-vessel inspection. These are demanding aircraft to own well; budget for both engines on potentially divergent overhaul cycles, mandate-upgrade investment if not already complete, and corrosion-prone-area inspection.

The Beechcraft Model 18 ("Twin Beech") is a classic radial-engine twin produced 1937 to 1970 — one of the longest-produced aircraft of its era, with over 9,000 built. Twin Pratt & Whitney R-985 radial engines, six to eleven seats, ~180 knot cruise. Used historically for transport, cargo, military (C-45 Expeditor) and famously for skydiving (the large door is iconic), the Model 18 is a sought-after vintage twin and one of the most characterful aircraft you can fly.

Beechcraft Model 18 aircraft for sale

3 used Beechcraft Model 18 aircraft for sale 1960s · 9-seat · Used median asking $254,000 · Project from $349,900 · updated yesterday

Beechcraft Model 18 Specifications

Model spec

The Beechcraft Model 18 is a 9-seat multi engine piston with a cruise speed of 180 kt (333 km/h), a range of 800 nm (1,482 km), and a useful load of 2,500 lbs (1,134 kg).

Performance
Cruise180 kt (333 km/h)
Range800 nm (1,482 km)
Service Ceiling20,000 ft (6,096 m)
Engine & Fuel
Horsepower450 HP
Fuel Burn55.0 GPH (208 L/h)
TBO1,500 hrs
Weights & Seats
Seats9
Useful Load2,500 lbs (1,134 kg)

Beechcraft Model 18 for Sale

Beechcraft Model 18 asking prices range from $75,000 to $484,755, with a median of $254,000 (market reference $225,000).

1963 Beechcraft Model 18

1963 Beechcraft Model 18 for sale
$147,500
For Sale
Total Time 12,212
Reg# N18RW US
Location Anderson, SC
Via Ken Stoltzfus
Multiple sources

1964 Beechcraft Model 18

1964 Beechcraft Model 18 for sale
$249,000
For Sale
Total Time 4,168
Reg# N26PL US
Location Rockford, IL
Via Courtesy Aircraft Sales
Multiple sources

1964 Beechcraft Model 18

1964 Beechcraft Model 18 for sale within typical asking range
$487,346 ↓ -$9K
For Sale
Total Time 10
Reg# N8495A US
Location Germany
Via FROG Flugservice GmbH
Listed 2mo ago

Compare Beechcraft Model 18

See how the Beechcraft Model 18 stacks up against similar aircraft in specs, price, and operating costs.

Beechcraft Model 18 vs Douglas DC-3

Beechcraft Model 18 Price & Cost

How much does a Beechcraft Model 18 cost? Used Model 18 prices: $75K – $484K, average $254K (median $254K); market reference $225K, across 10 priced of 3 active listings.

Beechcraft Model 18 Price Guide

Key price factors: engine time to overhaul, year and airframe hours, avionics, damage history and logbook completeness — see the buying guide below for the full pre-purchase checklist.

Beechcraft Model 18 Cost of Ownership estimate
Fuel (55.0 GPH × $6.20, 100 hrs)$34,100/yr
Estimates at 100 flight hours/year. Actual costs vary by usage, location and insurance.
Buying guides: Buyer's Guide | Financing Guide | Pre-Buy Inspection

Buying a Used Beechcraft Model 18

Buying a Beechcraft Model 18 comes down to a focused pre-purchase checklist — here is what matters most on this model:

What to check before buying

Radial engine condition and overhaul history (specialist maintenance); airframe corrosion (long life means lots of history); fabric/control-surface condition; restoration documentation; vintage-twin-specialist pre-buy. FAQ: Cost {{median}}. Radial-engine maintenance. Skydive heritage. Model 18 variants (D18, E18, G18). Restoration vs flying examples.

Frequently Asked Questions — Beechcraft Model 18

What is the Beechcraft Model 18?
The Model 18, known as the Twin Beech, is a twin radial-engined aircraft built from 1937 to 1970. It served in light transport, training, cargo and executive roles and is now a popular vintage and warbird aircraft.
Why is it called the Twin Beech?
Twin Beech is the long-standing nickname for the Beechcraft Model 18, reflecting its twin-engine configuration and Beechcraft origin. The names are used interchangeably.
What engines does the Twin Beech use?
Most Model 18s are powered by two Pratt & Whitney R-985 Wasp Junior radial engines; some later or converted aircraft use other radials or turboprop conversions.
How much does a Beechcraft Model 18 cost?
As a vintage radial twin, Model 18 prices depend heavily on condition, engine times and configuration (passenger, cargo or restored warbird). See the live price range and median above.
How many seats does the Twin Beech have?
The Model 18 typically seats six to eight in a cabin layout, though exact seating varies widely across its many transport, executive and special-purpose configurations.
Is the Beechcraft Model 18 still flying?
Yes — many Twin Beeches remain airworthy and are flown by collectors, warbird operators and skydiving operations, valued for their classic radial-engine character.
What was the Model 18 used for?
The Model 18 served as a military trainer and transport, an airliner and freighter, and an executive aircraft, with one of the longest production runs of any aircraft thanks to its versatility.

Beechcraft Model 18 Inventory by Country

United States10
Germany1

Beechcraft Model 18 by Price

Under $200k1
Under $300k1
Under $500k2

Beechcraft Model 18 Safety Record

No NTSB events on record for the Beechcraft Model 18. Individual aircraft safety records may be available on detail pages.

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

Disclaimer: All prices, cost estimates, and market values shown are based on asking prices from third-party sources and are provided for informational purposes only. AeroGurus is not an appraiser, broker, or financial advisor. Always obtain a professional appraisal and independent inspection before making a purchase decision.
Listings last refreshed yesterday · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data