Bensen B7 (Garage Find!) SOLD

[BAP4short]

Selling my fathers Bensen B7, It has been in the rafters of his garage since the mid 60's. From the paperwork, price-lists and spec sheets I found, it was probably built around 1957. I believe it had a motor at one time based on the mount behind the seat and a fuel tank I found in the attach. One side of the rotor has heavy damage. I can provide better pictures once we get it down.

Have no idea what this is worth, just looking for a fair price and good home.

 

[j4flyer]

It’s a nice piece of history. Your dad must have been a great craftsman to have made such a fine example of an early Bensen. As to value I’m afraid there isn’t much monetary value , more sentimental. You might consider donating it to the PRA museum or one in your area and taking a tax deduction.

 

[BAP4short]

It’s a nice piece of history. Your dad must have been a great craftsman to have made such a fine example of an early Bensen. As to value I’m afraid there isn’t much monetary value , more sentimental. You might consider donating it to the PRA museum or one in your area and taking a tax deduction.

Thanks for the input! I didn't expect it to be worth much but want to make sure there isn't someone out there that could still get some joy out of it.

 

[Gyro28866]

The Bensens were 6061-T6 aluminum tubing that was bolted together (see your plans).
B7m was round tube and B8m were square tube. The B7 started as a Glider and then Dr. Bensen modified it into the B7m engine version.
As for weight, I would expect this welded steel frame to be much heavier than an aluminum tube.
Yours most likely started as a towed Glider and then modified later. Notice the nose wheel is free caster held straight with a set of springs, the engine modified version had to have nosewheel steering tied into the rudder system.
and obviously an overhead stick for control with a Spindle head for the rotor.
Actually, the plans and literature have more value than the frame.

 

[BAP4short]

The Bensens were 6061-T6 aluminum tubing that was bolted together (see your plans).
B7m was round tube and B8m were square tube. The B7 started as a Glider and then Dr. Bensen modified it into the B7m engine version.
As for weight, I would expect this welded steel frame to be much heavier than an aluminum tube.
Yours most likely started as a towed Glider and then modified later. Notice the nose wheel is free caster held straight with a set of springs, the engine modified version had to have nosewheel steering tied into the rudder system.
and obviously an overhead stick for control with a Spindle head for the rotor.
Actually, the plans and literature have more value than the frame.

Yes, I see the differences on the plans now. Thanks for the added info!

The frame is mostly a streamlined steel tubing. I kind of suspected the the literature may be the only thing of value. Surprisingly it survived in nothing more than a manila folder on the self of the garage for over 50 years.

 

[BAP4short]

I have old magazines, literature and photo's from the Bensen company and others that I will take pictures of and upload at a later date.

 

[Martin W.]

It’s a nice piece of history. Your dad must have been a great craftsman to have made such a fine example of an early Bensen. As to value I’m afraid there isn’t much monetary value , more sentimental. You might consider donating it to the PRA museum or one in your area and taking a tax deduction.

I agree completely that it has value as a 1957 collector - museum piece .... I hope someone steps forward to acquire it and reward the seller for preserving it all these years .

The gyro industry began with this early example and has now become worldwide .

Even if I was a modern European or American gyro manufacturer I would love to have this sitting in my showroom.

It is a great example of how it all started.