The world’s oldest flying seaplane, 1935-built Caproni CA 100 MM65156 (I-ABOU), has recently been sold
The sale was conducted via well known broker Platinum Fighters. The Caproni’s 1933-built land-based equivalent, currently based at Lake Como in Italy, is still listed as for sale.
Having found the seaplane abandoned and realising it was the first aircraft he had soloed in, Gerolamo Gavazzi lovingly restored it to its former glory over many years. The ‘Caproncini’ (as the duo are collectively known) were designed as trainers, to prepare pilots to fly in combat, and are described as being not overly complicated to fly. Each has been meticulously refurbished, with the CA 100 having flown for just 10 hours since its ‘rebirth’. It’s powered by a 130hp Alfa Romeo Colombo S63 engine, overhauled by UK-based Vintech.