Posted by SteveBeaver on Monday, October 13, 2014 @ 01:31 PM:
As we know, famous transatlantic Fournier pilot, hydroplane racer and Bücker display pilot Mira Slovak passed away earlier this year. Mira was working hard on preparing his famous RF4D N1700 for one final transatlantic flight. Now the time has come Ingrid Bondi, Mira's life-long partner, to sell Mira's beloved Fournier.
Ingrid is not in a position to donate the aircraft or to sell it at a fire sale price, and why should she? This is a very famous aircraft that has been carefully looked after for a long time. Although not currently flyable, Mira spared no expense in preparing the RF4D for that final celebration. Among other things it has:
A brand new cowling
An engine newly overhauled by the finest aviation VW guy there is (ask Collin)
A new prop designed for this engine, as well as the original Hoffman
A good canopy
Clearly there is considerable work to be done before the refurbishment is complete, but it is equally clear that this is one very, very special RF4D.
(My RF4 has the same prop and an engine from the same overhauler. - The combination is extraordinarily smooth and powerful)
Many pictures of N1700 can be found here: https://plus.google.com/photos/113488702494863232150/albums/6069736157155953569?banner=pwa
If you would like to make an offer for this special Fournier, please call me at (614) 937 4189 or email me at sbeaver@columbus.rr.com
I have no financial involvement in this transaction at all. My goal is simply to help this aircraft find the right owner, and to shied Ingrid from the perils of the Internet.
Thanks,
Steve
Posted by Collin on Tuesday, October 14, 2014 @ 11:51 AM:
Hello,
Mira's RF4 is very low time. I think Mira told me under 200 hours. Also sent most of it's life in Seattle's Museum of flight climate control main building.
I last saw his RF4 last year. Overall is in very good shape. Main thing needed is finish recovering the wing and put back together.
Also comes with new wings fairing. The prop is made by Culver (53x33 in think). The engine was rebuilt by Jon Karcey. Jon has built 56mpg Karmann Ghia to Top Fuel engines. It has the 83mm big bore Pistons (1385cc). I rebuilt the carb. Modified Great Plains oil cooler mount with new oil cooler. Has the std instrument panel with the std RF4 instruments. New fuel lines.
Collin
Posted by D. Porter on Wednesday, October 15, 2014 @ 03:04 PM:
Does this RF4 have wing tanks? Almost looks like it from one of the google pics.
This could be a perfect project for Dann Parks. 
Don
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Don
RF4D #4054 N1700F Rectimo 1400cc
Posted by Collin on Wednesday, October 15, 2014 @ 07:04 PM:
Yes it has wing tanks.
Posted by Bob Grimstead on Thursday, October 16, 2014 @ 09:12 AM:
One tiny word of caution about the wing tanks.
From my (not always reliable) memory, I think René commented that the wing tank installation in one of Mira's RF4Ds (I'm not sure whether it was the first or the replacement) had reduced the wing's strength because it cut into the D-section torsion box.
Best to have a structures expert look at it before flying aerobatics?
Or ask René of course.
It would be excellent to see this very historic airplane back in the air
Yours, Bob
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Flying and displaying Fournier RF4Ds VH-HDO and G-AWGN, building replica RF6B G-RFGB and custodian of RF6B prototype F-BPXV
Posted by Collin on Thursday, October 16, 2014 @ 01:51 PM:
The wing that is now on the Mira's RF4 is not the same wing that he did the 1969 crossing with. Yes his first wing the spar was notched for the tanks. Sportavia put the RF back to stock when it was shipped back to the USA. The tanks in the second wing the spars are not modified. I will call the guy who put the tanks in ask about removing the tanks. I think he he may still have the original leading edge.
Collin
Posted by Bob Grimstead on Friday, October 17, 2014 @ 05:30 AM:
That's great Collin, so it's not a problem, and I'm sorry for mentioning it.
Yours, Bob
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Flying and displaying Fournier RF4Ds VH-HDO and G-AWGN, building replica RF6B G-RFGB and custodian of RF6B prototype F-BPXV
Posted by Collin on Wednesday, December 10, 2014 @ 09:39 PM:
I talked to Mira's window today. She is still trying to sell Mira's RF4. She is asking $15,000. I think is a very fair price. If you know anyone that is interested let us know.
Posted by SteveBeaver on Wednesday, December 17, 2014 @ 01:38 PM:
The sale of Mira's famous RF4D was concluded this morning. On behalf of Ingrid Bondi, may I thank everyone who expressed an interest in the aircraft. In the end five prospective purchasers came forward and it was somewhat distressing to have to choose just one.
The Fournier will be leaving Fallbrook before long and making its way to a new home. The new owner is a regular visitor to this forum so no doubt you will learn more soon.
Steve
