Typical of Lockheed, the Aircraft is fabulous, even by today’s standards, and was considerably overbuilt and extremely modern. It is all metal, incorporating internal drooping ailerons, and a high flotation landing gear for short field performance and is extremely stable during landing, takeoffs, and ground operation.

The model 12A was designed after the slightly larger Electra 10A, as a “feeder airline”, corporate Aircraft, and for wealthy private individuals. It was regularly utilized by Charles Lindberg, Howard Hughes, and Amelia Earhart.

This Aircraft, NC18097, s/n 1250 was delivered to Phillips Petroleum from the Burbank Lockheed factory in March 1938 to supplement their DC-3.  While most 12A aircraft were trimmed in red, this one utilized green trim due to the company colors.

The Aircraft had a wonderful corporate history but was requisitioned by the military during World War II. We think it went back to Phillips after the war and was privately owned in the 60s and converted to “modern” standards at that time.

When the aircraft was purchased, approximately 2008, 12,000 hours was spent in Chino CA restoring the aircraft back to its original Phillips livery with a great deal of help from the Phillips archives. Capt. Kirk McQuown of L12 Fame was the expert on these airplanes producing several grand champions. He was primarily involved with this Restoration. Engine compartment hoses were also changed during the restoration.