In 1969, Hugh Hefner was the king of the world. His magazine empire was at its peak, and he was about to expand Playboy to 37 different countries. At the time, one quarter of all American college age men were buying his magazine - every single month.
So - what is a successful and flamboyant magazine publisher to do? Well, in the case of Mr. Hefner, he purchased himself a jet - a big jet.
On January 27, 1969, the McDonnell Douglas company finished production on a DC-9-32, and one month later, Hugh Hefner took delivery of N950PB, nicknamed "the Big Bunny".
This was no normal jet - despite the wild 60's, not many business owners had the creativity - or the money to invest in their own flying home away from home.
Shower, private entry and a movie theater
Even by today's private jet standards, N950PB was a very luxurious jetliner. A rear folding private entrance took Hefner directly to his private quarters with an elliptical bed. After a long flight, he could take a shower or get some work done in his conference room.
Passengers were also treated well!
Fellow passengers could relax in the bar or enjoy a movie on the big screen. Once everyone was in the mood, they could even dance in the "discotheque" complete with lights and an 8-Track deck.
Indeed - the DC-9-32 really was a bit of Playboy in the skies. The only thing missing was a swimming pool and bowling alley.
Hugh Hefner never made a secret about his love of beautiful women- and admitted that his many, many mile high club endeavors were just like they are on the ground - albeit with "better memories".
N950PB's flight crew members were obviously selected for their looks - but these were real professionals. The Jet Bunnies were all trained at Continental Airlines in LA where they'd learn inflight safety and food preparation.
Click here to watch an onboard video and learn the fate of the Big Bunny from Gadling
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