Highlights
- One of just 40 Super Sport 18s built in 1965
- Only 104 hours from new in 60 years
- Stored for 25 years in dry conditions
- Incredibly original and beautifully preserved
- Original factory optional 210HP V8 engine
- Complete with original manuals, build card, and keys
- American EZ Loader road trailer included
The Appeal
Hailing from the golden era of wooden powerboats, this 1965 Chris-Craft Supersport 18 is a remarkably original survivor, the likes of which are incredibly scarce, especially outside the United States of America.
The V8-engined Super Sport 18 represented the pinnacle of American wooden boat craftsmanship in the 1960s, combining luxurious appointments with superb craftsmanship and high-performance capabilities. These hand-built vessels were the American answer to Riva, some costing more than double the price of an average American home when new.
Chris-Craft said of its Super Sports series:
"Ready to deliver the kind of water action you want at a moment's notice. There's a high-performance hull, snarling V8 power, and Super Sport underwater gear built for speed, but you'd never expect a boat so spirited to have such a comfortable and luxurious cockpit. Contoured seats fore and aft hold 5, there's storage under the bow, and there are glove box compartments in hullsides fore and aft. 210 HP V8 and 43 mph speed"
"Fran," (hull number CUF-18-2022-C ), is reportedly one of only 40 Super Sport 18s produced in 1965 and possibly the only example in the UK or indeed Europe. Dispatched from the Chris-Craft Cadillac plant in Michigan on December 24, 1965, it was destined for Wilson's Boat Yard in Iowa, as a Christmas present for its new owner. It was fitted with the factory optional larger 210HP V8 engine, a rear boarding ladder and optional twin bilge pumps with one being automatic, and the optional propeller/rudder guard
Its time-capsule condition after 60 years makes "Fran" a notable opportunity for collectors, and with a top speed of 43 MPH (~37 Knots), it's still quick by today's standards.
Ideal for freshwater boating and likely to be welcomed at prestigious events like the Traditional Boat Festival, "Fran" is highly usable, thanks in great part to its EZ Loader bunk trailer, which is as beautifully appointed as the boat sat upon it.
This is a truly unmissable opportunity to acquire a stunning original example of this coveted vessel.
The V8-engined Super Sport 18 represented the pinnacle of American wooden boat craftsmanship in the 1960s, combining luxurious appointments with superb craftsmanship and high-performance capabilities. These hand-built vessels were the American answer to Riva, some costing more than double the price of an average American home when new.
Chris-Craft said of its Super Sports series:
"Ready to deliver the kind of water action you want at a moment's notice. There's a high-performance hull, snarling V8 power, and Super Sport underwater gear built for speed, but you'd never expect a boat so spirited to have such a comfortable and luxurious cockpit. Contoured seats fore and aft hold 5, there's storage under the bow, and there are glove box compartments in hullsides fore and aft. 210 HP V8 and 43 mph speed"
"Fran," (hull number CUF-18-2022-C ), is reportedly one of only 40 Super Sport 18s produced in 1965 and possibly the only example in the UK or indeed Europe. Dispatched from the Chris-Craft Cadillac plant in Michigan on December 24, 1965, it was destined for Wilson's Boat Yard in Iowa, as a Christmas present for its new owner. It was fitted with the factory optional larger 210HP V8 engine, a rear boarding ladder and optional twin bilge pumps with one being automatic, and the optional propeller/rudder guard
Its time-capsule condition after 60 years makes "Fran" a notable opportunity for collectors, and with a top speed of 43 MPH (~37 Knots), it's still quick by today's standards.
Ideal for freshwater boating and likely to be welcomed at prestigious events like the Traditional Boat Festival, "Fran" is highly usable, thanks in great part to its EZ Loader bunk trailer, which is as beautifully appointed as the boat sat upon it.
This is a truly unmissable opportunity to acquire a stunning original example of this coveted vessel.
History and Paperwork
- Originally dispatched from the Chris Craft Cadillac plant in Michigan on December 24, 1965, to Wilson's Boat Yard in Iowa
- Includes all original owner's manuals, engine maintenance manuals, parts manual, and 1965 sales brochures
- Comes with a copy of its original factory build card and two original ignition keys
- Comprehensive file from Chris Craft Services and the Mariners Museum
- Fitted with factory optional larger 210HP V8 engine, rear boarding ladder, twin bilge pumps (one automatic), and propeller/rudder guard
- Received an Edelbrock 1409 Performer 4-barrel marine carburettor upgrade in the late 1980s
- Comes with a 1980s EZ-Loader brand heavy-duty trailer with leaf springs, recently fitted with two new tyres
- 104 hours indicated and believed to be accurate, supported by originality and condition
Technical data:
- LOA (Length overall) 18ft 4"
- Beam 6ft 6" inches
- Draft 20" inches
- Seating capacity 5
- Weight 2665 lbs
- Fuel capacity 20 gallons
- Construction: Philippine Mahogany
- Top speed 43 MPH (~37 Knots)
The vendor provides the following regarding the recent restarting of the engine:
After been removed from 25 years of storage last month, the fuel tank was drained and filled with fresh E5 petrol. The spark plugs were removed and the bores had oil added to them prior to the engine being hand cranked to ensure the bores were ok and no sticky valves etc. the bores were then flushed out with diesel and then after fitting a new battery, the engine was cranked over on the starter motor a number of times. The spark plugs were then replaced with 8 new NGK performance plugs, (although there are also a spare set of unused new old stock original period Champion UJ6 plugs with the boat). The fuel system was checked, including the filter / water separator and then the fuel system was primed. Points were checked . The engine oil was also checked and then the engine was turned over on the starter and following a few revolutions it fired into life after sleeping for 25 years and it sounded amazing with its fabulous V8 burble via its straight through rear exit dual exhaust system, as can be seen in the video.
After been removed from 25 years of storage last month, the fuel tank was drained and filled with fresh E5 petrol. The spark plugs were removed and the bores had oil added to them prior to the engine being hand cranked to ensure the bores were ok and no sticky valves etc. the bores were then flushed out with diesel and then after fitting a new battery, the engine was cranked over on the starter motor a number of times. The spark plugs were then replaced with 8 new NGK performance plugs, (although there are also a spare set of unused new old stock original period Champion UJ6 plugs with the boat). The fuel system was checked, including the filter / water separator and then the fuel system was primed. Points were checked . The engine oil was also checked and then the engine was turned over on the starter and following a few revolutions it fired into life after sleeping for 25 years and it sounded amazing with its fabulous V8 burble via its straight through rear exit dual exhaust system, as can be seen in the video.
The Condition
- Hull structure remains in original condition with its original internal grey paint finish and no rot
- Mahogany exterior appears in smart condition with natural yacht varnish finish
- Original white waterline painted stripe and copper anti-foul paint on lower hull
- Interior presents in original condition with 1960s metallic turquoise and white vinyl upholstery
- White vinyl flooring appears well-preserved
- Chrome brightwork still retains its shine
- Dashboard features a comprehensive array of chrome dials and gauges
- Three-spoke automobile-style steering wheel in good order
- Recently removed from 25 years of storage
- Includes front and rear pennant mast, Stars and Stripes flag, and full-length tailored cover
The Mechanics
- 5.4-litre (327 cubic inch) V8 inboard engine
- 210HP output from new
- Recently awakened after 25 years in storage
- Fitted with new NGK performance plugs (spare set of unused original period Champion UJ6 plugs included)
- Fuel system checked and primed with fresh E5 petrol
- Straight-through rear exit dual exhaust system
- The vendor recommends an engine service/oil change as part of recommissioning
- Trailer wheel bearings reported to be in good order with no play or rumble
- Top speed capability of 43 MPH
- Fuel capacity: 20 gallons
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand..
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand..
