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Gorgeous and Rare Luscombe Phantom Poses With Equally Sexy Porsche 911 GT3

The same qualities that make a hot sports car fun to drool over lend well to the world of aviation too. Just check out this one of only two airworthy Luscombe Phantoms posing alongside a positively tasty-looking Porsche 911 GT3. We're seething with jealousy that we can't take both of them home immediately.
Luscombe Phantom poses with Porsche 911 GT3 7 photos
Photo: platinumfighters.com
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Firstly, a little bit about the plane, as you're all at least somewhat aware of the majesty that is the 911. The Phantom was an American two-seater monoplane, the first manufactured by the Luscombe Aircraft Manufacturing Company.

As the early 1930s was the very genesis of monoplanes and the end of the Bi-plane era, such a plane is a technological marvel. Apart from the canvas wing coverings, the Phantom is an all-metal airframe, one of the first in the world built to that specification. Phantoms were powered by a single Warner Super Scarab radial engine jetting a paltry 145 horsepower. Not much by modern standards, but gosh darn impressive for the time period.

Just for a laugh, let's compare the stats of the 1935 Phantom to that of the Porsche. The Phantom can cruise comfortably at around 130 miles per hour (209 kph) with a maximum speed of 168 mph (270 kph). The 991 Porsche 911 GT3 can max out at 200 miles per hour (320 kph), and cruise at whatever speed limit is showing. The Phantom had a range of 560 miles (901 km) on a full tank. The Porsche can only muster 304 miles (489 km) on the highway and 253 miles (407 km) in city driving.

Interestingly, the Porsche weighs in between 1,425-1,489 kilos (3,142-3,283 lbs). The Luscombe Phantom 1 weighs less than half of that at 1,320 lb (599 kg) when not laden with passengers and cargo. The Phantom needed at least a 1000 foot runway in order to get to takeoff speeds. The Porsche needs around the same distance to sprint from zero to 60 in around three seconds. It just goes to show just how far mechanical technology can advance in 90 or so years' time.

Finally, the last thing that ties this far-fetched comparison is the prices these two vehicles share. The 991 edition of the 911 GT3 sold for as much as $160,000 when brand new. Believe it or not, this near one-of-a-kind airplane and piece of genuine American history can be all yours for $11,000 less than it would have cost to buy the Porsche when new.

$149,000 before taxes and fees will get this bird in a hangar near you via Platinum Fighter Sales in California. But between the Phantom and the Porsche, which one would you rather take home with you? Let us know in the comments down below. Check back for more from Porsche month right here on autoevolution.
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