Why The 1947 Model 35 (V-Tail) Bonanza is a Great Airplane

I've only piloted a dozen different airplanes, but the 1947 Bonanza tops the list on several significant categories.

Positive attributes are:

• Looks cool
• Fuel efficiency (7-9 GPH)
  
• Rate of climb (1500-2000 FPM)
  
• Speed (140 KIAS for a fuel flow of 7 GPH)
• Utility category (4.4 g)
  

Categories the 35 falls short:

• Comfort (original bench seat -- though it's not too bad -- just no arm rest or leg length adjustment)
  
• Stability (it's light, so it gets bounced around a bit in rough air. It also has the typical V tail yaw & dutch roll tendency. That can be fixed somewhat by riding the rudder pedals)
  
• Useful load (average for this size airplane)
• CG -- very easy to get aft CG with fuel burn. You really need to do a W&B in this airplane if you're going to carry a load any distance.
  
• Cold starting -- this airplane simply won't start unless the ambient temperature is above 50 F or the engine is preheated.
  

This particular model needs a serious panel upgrade. With that and a thorough workover and a few redundant systems (vacuum, etc) this could be a serious IFR airplane.