In this year’s Best of the Best, we continue to honour the brands and people who have continued to create covetable products, even in the midst of a global pandemic. Here we have the Cirrus 8000 SR22T win ‘best limited edition’ in the wings and water category
This has serious style. It’s no surprise that all eight sporty-hued models have already been bought. The limited-edition SR combines “its iconic shape with an unapologetic colour scheme”, says Ivy McIver, director of Cirrus’s SR line. A luminescent green on the underside of the fuselage and wings complements black and silver on the upper fuselage and tail. “We gave customers the option to choose other colours, but seven of the eight chose to stick with that brave, bold scheme,” says McIver.
Cirrus flew its first SR20 single-engine airplane in 1995. At the time, the no-frills, less expensive and pilot-friendly aircraft, with a parachute and industry-first glass cockpit, was a game changer. It was also the first production aircraft with all-composite construction and flat-panel avionics. The SR20 gave rise to a whole series that included the SR22 and turbocharged SR22T. With the 8,000th member of the SR series expected to be completed this year, Cirrus is celebrating the milestone with this luxe, instantly recognisable limited edition.
The design team found inspiration in airstrips, including markers and hashes, adding diagonal patterns inside and out. They also used intricate green stitching in the leather seats and along the edges of the controls. The result: a brave but beautiful look for one of private aviation’s bestselling series.
