[2][3] Schweizer Aircraft started construction of the 1-7 prototype 1937, shortly after the SGU 1-6 came in third in the 1937 Eaton Design Contest.

The intention was that the winning design would be made available as drawings and kits for amateur construction and that Bureau of Air Commerce certification would be sought.

As a result of the lessons learned in the Eaton contest a new clean-sheet design was started by the Schweizer brothers.

The wing is a constant chord, single spar, strut-braced type, including jury struts.

[5] The aircraft was originally sold to the Altosaurus Soaring Club of North Conway, New Hampshire for USD$595.

[1] The aircraft was sold in the 1950s to Lloyd Lichner then general manager of the Soaring Society of America, who flew it often in California, including at the cliff-soaring site at Torrey Pines.