This 1942 Boeing-Stearman B75N1 Is a ‘Barn Find’ ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick

WWII trainer offers rare restoration opportunity to bring piece of aviation history back to the skies.

FLYING Staff

Tuesday, March 03, 2026 at 10:25 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

1942 Boeing/Stearman B75N1 [Credit: Ron Morris]

Key Takeaways:

A 1942 Boeing-Stearman B75N1, a legendary WWII trainer, is highlighted as a compelling "diamond-in-the-rough" opportunity for restoration.
Stored since 2000, the aircraft boasts a solid foundation with rebuilt wings and a recovered airframe, though its Continental radial engine and cockpit require attention.
Listed at $59,500, this classic biplane is presented as an accessible "barn find" for dedicated enthusiasts eager to return it to airworthy condition.

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Every day, the team at Aircraft For Sale chooses an airplane that catches our attention because it is unique, a good deal, or has other qualities we find interesting. You can read Aircraft For Sale: Today’s Top Pick at FLYINGMag.com daily.

Today’s Top Pick is a 1942 Boeing-Stearman B75N1.

For pilots and collectors dreaming of a classic radial-engine biplane, this Stearman presents a compelling diamond-in-the-rough opportunity. The Stearman served as the primary trainer for thousands of Allied pilots during World War II, earning a legendary reputation for its ruggedness and forgiving flight characteristics. This specific airframe has been tucked away in a hangar since 2000, waiting for its next chapter to begin.

While the aircraft has been sitting for over two decades, it boasts a solid foundation for a restoration project. Before being placed in storage, the wings were rebuilt with high-quality spruce spars and finished with Stits fabric. The entire airframe was also recovered with Stits at that time, preserving the classic lines of this historic trainer.

1942 Boeing/Stearman B75N1 [Credit: Ron Morris]

The Stearman is powered by a Continental W670-6N radial engine, which has not seen flight time since 2000. Though the engine was last overhauled in 1982, the owner has reportedly pulled the propeller through regularly to keep the internals moving. The aircraft has recorded 680 hours since its last major rebuild, though its total time remains unknown.

Inside the tandem open cockpits, the panel is a throwback to a simpler era of flight, featuring dual Narco Nav/Com radios and a basic ELT. It is a blank canvas for a restorer who may wish to maintain its vintage VFR charm or integrate modern safety enhancements for the 21st-century flight environment.

Listed at $59,500, this 1942 Stearman is priced as an accessible entry point into the world of vintage warbirds. Located in San Luis Obispo, California, it is the perfect “barn find” for a dedicated enthusiast with the time and passion to return this legendary biplane to airworthy condition.

If you’re exploring ownership options, FLYING Finance can help get you airborne. Use our airplane loan calculator to estimate your monthly payments, or connect with an aviation finance expert at flyingfinance.com.