Year
1962
Manufacturer
Model
Serial Number
CD-488
Registration #
N330CL
Condition
Used
Description
If you're looking for a straightforward, mechanically solid Beechcraft with the expensive work already addressed, this 1962 B33 Debonair deserves a close look.
This Debonair is not being marketed as a modern glass-panel airplane — its avionics are older, but the aircraft is ADS-B Out compliant. Instead, the focus here is on what matters most in an older airframe: engine, propeller, landing gear, flight controls, corrosion remediation, structural inspection, and overall mechanical condition. It is a great VFR aircraft that is a blank palette to build a modern IFR platform from.
The aircraft has recently undergone an exceptionally comprehensive and restorative annual inspection, addressing a remarkable number of mechanical, structural, corrosion, interior, and systems items. At the heart of the work is a freshly overhauled Continental IO-470, complemented by a new McCauley propeller conversion and new PCU5000 propeller governor.
This is a Debonair for the buyer who understands that good mechanical bones are worth far more than an impressive-looking panel — and who can upgrade the avionics over time if desired.
The biggest selling point of this Debonair is the freshly overhauled Continental IO-470-N. The engine was removed and sent to Columbia Aircraft Services for overhaul and subsequently reinstalled with new Lord shock mounts and new mounting hardware. Engine controls were properly rigged, accessories and systems reinstalled, and an operational check was performed with the engine found to be operating satisfactorily with no leaks noted.
The propeller installation received equally significant attention. A new McCauley propeller conversion kit was installed in accordance with STC SA00718CH, along with a brand-new PCU5000 propeller governor. The next owner of this Debonair is not inheriting an aging engine/propeller combination and immediately facing a major overhaul decision. The two biggest-ticket items on the front of the airplane have already been addressed!
The recent annual went substantially beyond a routine inspection. The Maintenance team at Penn State University / State College Regional Airport went above and beyond. A large amount of restorative work was performed to address corrosion (and prevention), flight controls, landing gear, brakes, fuel indication, engine systems, cabin components, and structural hardware. Many of the highlights can be found in the specs list below and the detailed annual signoff (See Airframe Logbook 2 on the aircraft listing on our website).
There are plenty of older Debonairs on the market with attractive panels but aging engines, tired flight controls, deferred corrosion work, and a long list of expensive maintenance items waiting for the next owner. This airplane is the pinnacle example of a different approach.
The recent annual addressed a tremendous amount of the work that an experienced Beechcraft buyer wants to see handled: fresh engine, new propeller, new prop governor, significant corrosion remediation, refurbished flight controls, new/rebuilt control surfaces, landing gear work, brake work, fuel system restoration, new hoses, structural hardware, vacuum-system upgrades, and extensive systems maintenance. The result is an aircraft with good mechanical bones and a substantial amount of restorative work already behind it. NOTE: Original Airframe Logbooks 1 and 2 went missing with a previous owner. The current airframe logbook reflects all work performed from 2000 to present.
If your priorities are a fresh Continental IO-470, new propeller and governor, a thoroughly inspected and restored airframe, and a solid foundation for future avionics upgrades, this B33 Debonair is worth a serious look.
A classic Beechcraft with the expensive mechanical work already done — ready for its next chapter. Call us today!
Additional Equipment
HUGE 2026 restorative investment - $180K Annual / Engine Overhaul (May 2026)
FRESH Continental IO-470-N 260 h.p. engine overhaul by Columbia Aircraft Services
NEW 3-blade McCauley Scimitar Propeller and NEW PCU5000 propeller governor
All ADs in Compliance
NEW aluminum-converted replacement elevators
Newly repaired/replaced ailerons
All wing and flap ribs showing evidence of corrosion have been replaced
Areas of corrosion were mechanically removed or bead blasted, treated, primed, and refinished in multiple locations, including aileron wing coves, vertical stabilizer and fuselage skin, horizontal stabilizer, left wing underside, engine control and alternator brackets, engine mounts, brake cylinder mounting brackets, aileron pushrods, rudder, flaps, and main landing gear wells
Airframe treated internally with Corrosion X
New left main gear uplock bracket
New main wheel bearings and races
Nose wheel bearings and races replaced
New nose tire and tube
New main brake discs and linings
New brake system hoses
New brake fluid reservoir
Main landing gear wells treated with Corrosion X
Overhaul of all four fuel quantity sending units and both fuel quantity gauges
New engine and brake hoses
New custom McFarlane mixture cable
New exhaust components and mounting brackets
New cowling SCAT ducts
NEW Reiff engine preheat system installed
NEW right muffler
Dry vacuum system conversion and NEW dry vacuum pump
New vacuum regulator, vacuum hoses forward of firewall, and central vacuum filter and
ADS-B Compliant: FreeFlight RANGR
NEW Lord engine shock mounts and mounting hardware
Numerous Interior and Exterior replacements and enhancements
New carpeting and refurbished/recovered interior panels
NEW Concorde RG-35A battery
New starter solenoid
New mixture cable
New forward elevator trim cable and chain assembly
NEW magnetic compass
Overhauled altimeter
NEW ignition switch
LED Landing Light
Dual Yokes and PTT Switches
LH Toe Brakes