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Original 1965 Douglas Aircraft Concept Painting – Unbuilt Four-Engine Double-Decker \"DC-10\" in Air Canada LiveryFor sale is an exceptionally rare, original 1965 Douglas Aircraft Company design concept painting, executed in watercolor on paper, measuring approximately 25” x 18” (professionally framed). This a is a museum-quality piece of commercial aviation history: An original, authentic customer presentation painting by legendary Douglas Aircraft in-house artist Dave Beigle (David Garrett Beigle). Created in 1965, this rare illustration was produced by Douglas to pitch an experimental, unbuilt “DC-10” concept aircraft to senior executives at Air Canada.This piece depicts the 1965 advanced design study (D-950) for what eventually became the Douglas DC-10. Before becoming a three-engine jet, Douglas briefly proposed this four-engine, double-decker widebody to compete with the Boeing 747. The aircraft shown is powered by four wing-mounted Pratt & Whitney JT9D engines, broadly resembling an Airbus A380, wearing Air Canada’s 1965 “Rondelle” livery with a black cockpit anti-glare shield. About the artist: David Garrett “Dave” Beigle (1936 - 2026) was one of the premier aircraft illustrators of the mid-century jet age. Joining Douglas Aircraft in 1957 at their El Segundo California facility, Beigle had the privilege of developing his craft alongside legendary naval aviation artist R. G. Smith. He later transitioned with the presentations staff to the company’s Long Beach headquarters following the McDonnell Douglas merger.Over a prolific, decades-long career, Beigle became highly celebrated within the aerospace industry for his absolute technical precision. He specialized in producing the intricate engineering, cutaways, promotional fleet display, and advanced aerodynamic concept paintings used by executives to pitch proposed aircraft designs to global airlines. Following a lifetime dedicated to aviation art, Dave Beigle passed away on August 21, 2026, at the age of 90 in Granada Hills, California. Because his illustrations were originally commissioned strictly as internal corporate property and were never made available to the general public, verified original works from his estate are exceptionally rare and highly prized by serious commercial aviation historians.Production Technique: Watercolor Painting on paper
Subject: Douglas “DC-10” Initial Concept; Air Canada
Artist: Dave Beigle (David Garrett Beigle)
Original, unique artwork
Material: Paper
Framing: Framed (Professionally matted in a black frame)
Features: Includes Artist’s business card affixed to back (Provenance)
Frame Height: 18”
Frame Width: 25”
Time Period Created: Circa 1965Provenance & Authenticity:
This artwork is guaranteed 100% original and authentic. The piece was hand-painted by Dave Beigle and was purchased directly from him in 2010 in Los Angeles at a specialized airliner memorabilia convention. Mr. Beigle’s business card is attached to the back of the painting and will be included in the sale.Condition:
The painting is in excellent, vibrant condition. The professional matting and framing are solid and structurally sound, making this piece immediately ready for gallery or office display. (Note: Please review all attached high-resolution photographs to inspect the exact condition of the frame corners and backing details).Shipping & Handling:
Given the rare and fragile nature of this framed original artwork, it will be packaged with professional-grade care. The glass will be securely masked with painter\'s tape to prevent movement during transit, and the frame will be boxed and surrounded by high-density shock-absorbing bubble wrap.ATTENTION COLLECTORS – COMPANION PIECE AVAILABLE:
Please note that I am simultaneously listing a “companion” original Dave Beigle Douglas customer presentation painting from the same collection. The companion piece features the spectacular, unbuilt United Airlines Model 2229 Mach 3 Supersonic Transport (SST) concept aircraft, framed in a matching horizontal layout (18\" wide x 13.5\" high). Beautifully rendered circa 1969, it features United\'s rare 1969 transitional lowercase black script livery. The two paintings look spectacular displayed together as a historical set. Combined shipping and multi-item discount offers are available if you purchase both pieces - please view my other listings to see the United SST piece!ò
