G-APEP “Superb”

G-APEP was built at Brooklands in 1961 as a Type 953 Vanguard for British European Airways. It carried BEA passengers through the 1960s.

BEA began converting Vanguards into V953C Merchantman freighters in 1969, and G-APEP was converted around 1970. It flew with the British Airways cargo division until late 1979, when BA sold its remaining five Merchantmen.

Air Bridge Carriers then operated it. In 1992 Air Bridge renamed itself Hunting Cargo Airlines, which named the aircraft 'Superb'. With stalls fitted it could carry 18 racehorses. By early 1995 it was the last airworthy Merchantman in the world.

Hunting flew the type's last commercial service on 30 September 1996 and gave the aircraft to Brooklands. On 17 October 1996 it made its final flight, landing on the old Brooklands runway rather than travelling by road. The arrival is remembered among Vanguard enthusiasts as a close call.

It stood on the airfield side of the River Wey for eight years. It made a last taxi on 29 May 2004. On 4 June it was towed over the river, ahead of the VC10, into the new Aircraft Park.

Parked in the outdoor Aircraft Park beside the VC10. Usually open to walk through, with the cockpit and the cargo hold set out to explain freight and livestock work.