1997 Thorp T18Experimental Aircraft • Newcastle-Maitland, New South Wales, Australia

This 1997 Thorp T-18 (VH-XME, serial Q137) presents as a distinctive amateur-built aircraft with only 564 total hours on both airframe and Lycoming O-320-E2G engine. Built in Australia, this all-metal experimental aircraft features a striking custom "hot rod" paint scheme that has drawn attention since its 2005 appearance at Avalon Airport. The fixed-pitch wooden propeller complements the Lycoming powerplant, with the aircraft certified under Amateur Built rules (CDA Data B expired).

The T-18 design is renowned for its performance, with this example maintaining typical model characteristics including a cruise speed of 160-200+ mph,...