While we can name hundreds of really smart, powerful, utilitarian or awesome airplanes, there are far, far fewer of them that we would call truly "beautiful." What is it that makes an airplane an aesthetic wonder? Some might tell you it's all in the eye of the beholder, but they're wrong. Beauty in an airplane comes from a symmetry of components, a coherent identity and a compelling presence. The Piper Aztec is a useful airplane; the Beech Baron (not on our list) is a beautiful airplane. While you might come up with an airplane or five you think we should have included, we doubt you'll find fault with the ones that did make the cut. We're also pretty sure that you'll agree with our choice for number one, the most beautiful airplane ever. As always, we'd love to hear what you think. Enjoy.
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Top 25 Most Beautiful Airplanes

25 Grumman F7F Tigercat

24 Beechcraft Duke

23 Nemesis

22 Northrop Grumman B2 Bomber

21 Hawker Sea Fury

20 Piaggio Aero Avanti

19 Cessna Airmaster

18 Supermarine Spitfire

17 de Havilland Mosquito

16 Lancair IV

15 Macchi-Castoldi M.C.72

14 Hughes H-1 Racer

13 Cessna Citation X

12 Ryan ST

11 Lockheed Model 10 Electra

10 Vought F4U Corsair

9 de Havilland Comet

8 Cessna Model 177 Cardinal

7 North American P-51D Mustang

6 Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird

5 de Havilland Dragon Rapide

4 Lockheed Constellation

3 Piper J-3 Cub

2 Concorde

1 Beechcraft Staggerwing
