One of the most daring hybrid creations of its era
My friends often ask me which I prefer, cars or airplanes. My answer is both, and the reason this spot caught my eye while I was visiting the Dallas Car and Toy Museum last week.
Over eight years and an astonishing 11,000 hours of design and fabrication, Johnson engineered a true “roadside aircraft,” complete with repositioned landing gear, 13-inch tires, rack-and-pinion steering, and disc brakes, more at home on a sports car than a bush plane.
Its wings fold forward neatly along the fuselage, transforming the aircraft into a road-ready vehicle powered by a rear-mounted Suzuki 4-stroke engine. In less than thirty minutes, this hybrid shifts from cruising the highway at 65 mph to soaring through open skies at 95 mph. Some examples flew with lightweight motorcycle engines, others with robust Lycoming powerplants, but all shared the same adventurous spirit. Lightweight, high-winged, and built with STOL (Short Takeoff and Landing) capability, this two-seat monoplane doesn’t just take off from short fields-it takes off from the imagination. The 2011 Avid hybrid isn’t just a machine. It’s a dream made real, where the freedom of flight meets the open road.
RELATED Spot: Another flying car example that I found at Oshkosh.
Originally one of the many unusual vehicles belonging to the Larry Klairmont Museum Collection, it is now part of the Ron Sturgeon Collection at the museum. It was acquired at a Mecum Auction in September of last year for just $18,700. It was sold with just a Bill of Sale, and the FAA Registry shows the N-Number is Deregistered, so if Ron wants to drive or fly it, there will be some work to get it road/airworthy. This is truly a machine that blurs the line between road and sky.
I was actually at the museum that day for another reason. They held their first slot car race, which I entered. The track was amazing. Built by SlotMods for Ford, it was later acquired by the museum. These layouts are all one-offs and cost somewhere in the mid-five figures. BTW, I came in second a half-lap behind the winner. If you’re ever in Dallas, this museum is a must-stop on your trip. I found plenty of other spots that I share in future posts.
Thanks for stopping by and checking out this week’s spot. Come back next Sunday for another one of my finds, along with some of its history. Have a great week ahead.
Savage On Wheels 
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