The walk across the apron, the long climb up the boarding stairs, the smile of a welcoming stewardess and then at last – the thunder of a thousand surging horsepower spinning great props to vanishing point. This was flying in the early years after World War II. It was an age in which the piston aero-engine reached its zenith and every type of aeroplane had its own distinctive features. Now, in an era when space-age design and technology has led to much uniformity in the quest for the most efficient technological and aerodynamic solution, the shapes of the world’s airliners are almost boring by comparison with those of yesteryear. This book celebrates those remaining classic airliners that have been lovingly restored.