Goldfinger Piper
I have just purchased one of the five Piper Cherokees that appeared in the 1964 James Bond movie, Goldfinger. It is going to need a new paint job soon and I wanted opinions as to whether I should paint it in a modern scheme or return it to its original paint scheme as it appeared when she was in the movie. I am asking the Piper Owner Society because I think this airplane is a piece of movie history not to mention Piper history since the appearance was a way of promoting the new Cherokees to the public. (The 1964 Ford Mustang was also introduced to the European public in this same movie.) Cherokee owners should have some say in the decision in my way of thinking since we know and appreciate this Piper design and anything about its history.
Comments
Which one did you buy? Do you like the movie color scheme?
https://impdb.org/index.php?title=Goldfinger
Eric Panning
1981 Seneca III
Hillsboro, OR (KHIO)
I vote for oversized full length portraits of Moneypenny and Pussy Galore under each wing.
As someone who was not even born then, but I have watched the movie, I don’t see a tremendous appeal to going with the original scheme unless you actually plan to use it to show.
My opinion is to paint it with a modern scheme if you want it to look sexy and clean. In addition, if you were to sell it, you’d be looking at entry level buyers, read newer and younger pilots, and they typically want it to feel like it’s a modern ride, not 60 years old.
Paint in like a Cirrus and you will turn heads. Paint it with the orig scheme and nobody will even notice you arrived.
I own and fly a 79 PA32RT-300T. Previous aircraft are a 79 Archer and 76 Arrow.
empannin, it was one of the two 180s. I believe the one that is not registered was also a 180.
jacobsja, understandable.
Unit74 very logical comments. Thank you.
Remember Steve McQueen’s Mustang and what it sold for in original condition and it’s just a car. I vote for original colors.
Original colors sure do look nice to me 😎
Twin Comanche?
Scott Sherer
Wright Brothers Master Pilot, FAA Commercial Pilot
Aviation Director, Piper Owner Society Forum Moderator and Pipers Author.
Need help? Let me know!
What Comanche? 😬
Ha! Too funny, Mike. I almost missed the plane, too! lol
Scott Sherer
Wright Brothers Master Pilot, FAA Commercial Pilot
Aviation Director, Piper Owner Society Forum Moderator and Pipers Author.
Need help? Let me know!
Here's a reality check:
Nearly everyone in that movie has passed away, including Pussy Galore.
The beautiful young ladies who were part of the Flying Circus Squadron seem to have fared a little better. Many of them are still alive and either in their upper 70's or in their 80's.
Could it be that flying makes you live longer? ✈😀
Jim "Doc Griff" Griffin
PA28 - 161
Chicago area
Goldfinger Piper:
When it comes to unique vintage cars/aircraft, etc., I'm a bit of a traditionalist. I'd keep the original paint, primarily because of the very unique history of your plane.
To wit: although my '78 Warrior II is considered vintage, it's garden variety, with no significant history. It has been painted with a more modern scheme.
Jim "Doc Griff" Griffin
PA28 - 161
Chicago area
If it has lineage and history, I vote to keep it original. A fresh vintage paint job can still be a looker. This one has a story to go with it.
Well, what was the final decision?