| Gee Bee Model Z | |
|---|---|
| |
| Replica of the Gee Bee Model Z | |
| Role | Racing aircraft |
| National origin | United States of America |
| Manufacturer | Granville Brothers Aircraft |
| Designer | Bob Hall |
| First flight | August 22, 1931 |
| Introduction | September 1931 |
| Retired | December 5, 1931 |
| Produced | 1931 |
| Number built | 1 |
| Developed into | Gee Bee Model R |
The Granville Gee Bee Model Z was an American racing aircraft that was built, successfully raced to victory, then destroyed in a deadly crash – all in 1931. It was the first of the Super Sportster aircraft built by Granville Brothers Aircraft of Springfield, Massachusetts, with the sole intent of winning the Thompson Trophy, which it did in September 1931. Its fatal crash that December started the reputation of subsequent Gee Bee aircraft as killers.