Built with a Gipsy Major engine later replaced with a Genet Major as seen in the photo. Seen here on the first around Australia commercial flight. VH-UNS crashed on January 30, 1937 at Essendon, Victoria. Photo from: Library and Archives NT

Taken in front of the Varney hangar at the Bay Airdrome (not in San Francisco). Photo from: San Diego Air & Space Museum

The Model Z was the first Gee Bee Super Sportster, preceding the Model R. The sole example, NR77V, won the Thompson Trophy in September 1931, flown by Lowell Bayles. Re-engined with a 750-hp R-1340 Wasp, it crashed at Wayne County Airport during a world speed record attempt on 5 December 1931, killing Bayles. The replica which is now in the Museum of Flight, Seattle, has larger dimensions to make it easier to fly. Photo from: Wayne State University