If you have a need for speed and want retractable landing gear, your used market search of four-placers will likely include a Mooney, Piper Comanche or turbo Arrow, to name a few. But you might not consider a Bellanca Viking, which could outrun any of them. With wood-and-fabric design, it’s heavy (which also means sturdy handling), but turbocharged models can smoke along at 190 knots up high. Owners generally like their Vikings, but we’ve also seen some buyers get stung because they picked the wrong ones.
The airplane’s unique construction is one obvious hint for committing to a solid prepurchase evaluation on any Viking that you’re serious about. You’ll also want it maintained by someone who knows these airplanes well, plus you should store it inside when possible.