The Luscombe 4 was a simplified version of the company's first aircraft, the Luscombe Phantom. The Phantom had an all metal fuselage with many compound curves and a luxury interior that failed to sell in the depression era 1930s. Single curve metal fuselage panels reduced costs, but the Luscombe 4's performance suffered and only six were built. The company's next design, the Luscombe 8 Silvaire was much more successful.