Murphy Rebel Kit Auction
The auction of a near-complete Murphy Rebel kit presents a unique opportunity for homebuilt aircraft enthusiasts and marks an interesting development for both kitplane builders and those following Murphy Aircraft’s journey since its acquisition by Duofu International Holdings.
Murphy Aircraft, a name recognized for its robust and backcountry-friendly designs, is currently conducting an online auction for a near-complete Murphy Rebel kit. The auction, announced via Murphy Aircraft’s official channels, is set to close on Thursday, October 31, 2025, at 5:00 PM Pacific Time. This event is turning heads in the homebuilt community, as the Rebel remains one of the most respected and versatile all-metal utility designs available in the kitplane market.
The Rebel in this auction represents a rare opportunity: it’s not a well-used or battered airframe but a project that is described as “near complete,” with major assembly work either completed or well underway. Such sales are uncommon, especially for a model like the Rebel, which offers impressive short- and rough-field performance, generous load carrying, and straightforward construction—all factors that contributed to the design’s lasting popularity among pilots in both North America and abroad.
The Kit, the Company, and the Market
Murphy Aircraft, headquartered in Chilliwack, British Columbia, has long been known for grassroots innovation and support for builder autonomy. The company’s transition under the leadership of Duofu International Holdings has been relatively smooth, marked by renewed efforts to modernize technical documentation, improve parts support, and engage with its customer base directly through special events and digital outreach.
Under Duofu, Murphy continues to offer their flagship models: the Rebel, Moose, Radical, and Elite. Notably, the Rebel remains the best all-around performer for those seeking a high degree of backcountry capability without sacrificing comfort or carrying capacity. Enthusiasts looking to
embark on a homebuilding journey can leverage a large support network, detailed builder forums, and the benefit of a proven fleet in the field.
What makes this auction especially noteworthy is the time and expense already invested in the Rebel project on offer. While the specifics of the kit (how complete, with or without finishing components, engine compatibility, etc.) have not been extensively detailed in public postings, near-complete kits usually include assembled wings, fuselage, and empennage—representing hundreds of hours of labor saved. Interested bidders are advised to contact Murphy for inspection details and to review what is included in the sale, as this could significantly reduce the build time and complexity for the new owner.
Builder Value and Market Timing
The timing of the auction also coincides with the renewed interest in robust, utility-focused kitplanes. With a base price for a new Rebel kit climbing alongside the cost of all homebuilt projects, the chance to own a partially completed airframe can be a tremendous boon for budget-conscious builders or those hoping to fly sooner rather than later.
The Rebel’s market position is strong: it’s a 2-3 seat hauler that can comfortably serve both as a bush plane and a family traveling machine. The aircraft supports a range of engines and avionics, and the active builders’ community further bolsters its value. For Murphy Aircraft, the auction serves both as a demonstration of ongoing brand engagement and as a reminder of the company’s commitment to supporting every stage of the builder experience—from new sales to resales and completion of orphaned projects.
For anyone interested in entering (or re-entering) the world of experimental aviation, the Murphy Rebel auction is a rare chance to secure a legendary kit with much of the hard work already done, under the guidance of a revived and focused manufacturer. Full details, bidding requirements, and inspection arrangements can be found on Murphy Aircraft’s website and social channels.
The Rebel is a two seat aircraft not a four seat. It is possible to add a third child seat.
Bernie, You’re right–the Rebel is a 2-3 seat airplane. Thanks for pointing it out.
The image labeled “The Murphy Rebel in the Western Sky” is misleading, as it actually depicts a Super Rebel (SR2500) or possibly a Moose (SR3500)—definitely not a Rebel. Accurate identification is important to avoid confusion within the community.
You are correct, and the photo caption has been corrected. Thank you.
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