Former barnstormer turned airport manager Steve Wittman bought in 1934 an old used Curtiss D-12 engine and with it and the “built the smaller aircraft posible around a powerful engine” old formula he designed and built this astonishing artifact. Not a thing of beauty though -specially initially- with its original car-type radiator, short squared wing (it became shorter eventually) and lack of finesse. The Bonzo proved nevertheless to be a remarkably well mannered aircraft; at least between hazardous take-offs and landings. It took part in various of the classic Thompson Trophy contests with very honorable results.
Notice the innovative spring-steel landing gear. An innovation to be seen everywhere when Cessna made it their own
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Looks like this one?
No, that is The Hosler Fury, built by Russell Curly Hostler. It competed in a few races, but always had problems. Curly, apparently, built a copy of the Curtiss pusher and taught himself to fly!
Gareth knew this one is the Fury: he was just asking why I see some likeness between the Bonzo and the Fury.
Something subjective I guess, but they shared a boxy nature, and barn door low aspect ratio wings….