Parnall Elf

The Parnall Elf was designed by Harold Bolas and built by George Parnall & Co in their factory at Yate near Bristol in 1929.

The prototype, later registered G-AAFH, was powered by a 105hp Cirrus Hermes I four cylinder inline engine. Parnall built two more Elf aircraft, registered G-AAIN and G-AAIO, both fitted with the uprated 120hp Hermes II.

Unfortunately the prototype received a less than glowing report when tested at Martlesham Heath and both it and ’IO were destroyed in flying accidents in 1934. Further interest in the Elf failed to materialise.

About this aircraft

This, the sole surviving Elf, first flew in 1932 and was purchased from Parnall’s by Lord Apsley at Badminton in November 1934, he previously having owned the prototype which was written off in a forced landing. It was stored for the duration of WWII.

In 1951, it was acquired by the Collection in non-flying condition and was exhibited, on temporary loan, to the Historic Aircraft Museum in Southend during 1972. It was then returned to Old Warden where it underwent a complete restoration programme by two former apprentices and made its first public appearance in 1980.

Specification