Douglas DC-7 (1953-1958): On May 18, 1953, Douglas introduced the DC-7, a larger and faster airliner than its DC-4 and DC-6 look-a-like predecessors. The DC-7 was powered by four “turbo-compound” engines, which enabled it to fly nonstop across the United States westbound against prevailing winds - a capability which the airlines of the day had dreamed of for years. A later version, the DC-7C, provided an even greater range capability that enabled it to fly anywhere in the world, thus earning the nickname “Seven Seas.” A total of 338 DC-7s were produced from 1953 to 1958, all for commercial airline customers. TheDC-7 was the last propeller driven airliner built by Douglas and the last built at the Santa Monica plant in Southern California.