This plane was built as a C-53 here in Santa Monica in 1941 and TOC with the USAAF as 41-20107. In January 1956 it was issued with the civilian registration N242SM but then TOC with the US Navy as a R4D-3 with BuNo 05075. At some it was retired and went on to carry the registrations NC1075M, N60R and N956AR. In January 2005 the plane was donated to the City of Santa Monica and placed on display with the Museum of Flying.

Built for US Navy as 05075 delivered 02.42. Civilianised 12.46 as NC1075M. Later N60R and N596AR. To City of Santa Monica as N242SM in 12.05 and exhibited at SMO as a memorial to Douglas Aircraft's historic links to the airfield.