Born in the wake of the Crash, the Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation came into existence on December 6, 1929 -- one of the few companies to exploit America’s deteriorating financial and political conditions. With the collapse of the USA and the conflict that ensued, the Grumman design bureau soon earned a reputation for producing top-notch aircraft. In those early years, the team subcontracted to other companies, designing for the Fairchild Bandit and, more controversially, the General Motors Lancer. In 1932, the company entered the manufacturing field with the E-1 Avenger. The design proved popular with the affluent citizens of the Empire State, particularly the group known as the Broadway Bombers, and the growth spurred by steady sales soon lifted the company’s shares into the Wall Street top ten.

The past few years, by contrast, have shown a steady decline in Avenger sales as newer, more-aggressive designs by competing firms grow in popularity. As a stopgap measure (until the new Grumman Courser design enters service, estimated for mid-1938), the company released the E-1C Avenger. It’s acceptance by the Broadway Bombers and the subsequent fascination of New York’s wealthy (as well as well-to-do members of Pacifica’s elite) have helped Grumman fend off the competition.