An historic Spitfire that downed German aircraft during the Second World War before starring in a string of Hollywood hit films in the 1960s is set to sell for a record £4.5million.
After spending 40 years in Texas, the plane was shipped to Australia five years ago for repairs. It then returned to Britain to be sold.
Spitfire’s Tail Number reads MH415. It is now at its best, with up to 95% of its original parts. This Spitfire will once more dominate the sky.
The aircraft was originally built in 1943 at Castle Bromwich and delivered to RAF Squadron 129 in August of that year. The aircraft would then participate in sweeps across continents with RAF 222, (Natal), Squadron. It was retired in 1945, and eventually ended up at De Havilland’s at Whitney in Oxfordshire.
According to records, MH415’s operational record in WWII was outstanding. It was frequently involved in action during flights over the European theater by C.O Squadron Lead Gonay. MH415 had at least one German FW190 light aircraft as its victories.
The Spitfire was a star in the American 1962 epic, ‘The Longest Day’. It also played an important role in The Battle of Britain 1969. Later, it would amaze crowds at American airshows.
The plane, which sports RAF 222 (Natal) livery as flown in the 1940s, will now land in one lucky owner’s air hanger, but will set them back approximately £4.5million, after going under the hammer at auction.
The historic Spitfire MH415 (pictured) that downed German aircraft during the Second World War before starring in a string of Hollywood hit films in the 1960s is set to sell for a record £4.5million
Spitfire’s Tail Number reads MH415. It is now at its best, with up to 95% of its original parts. This Spitfire will once more dominate the sky.
After spending 40 years in Texas, the warplane was shipped to Australia five years ago for repairs. It then returned to Britain to be sold.
The one-seater Spitfire, valued at £4.5 million, is currently stored in a hangar in Northamptonshire.
Experts say that MH415, a 1943 Supermarine Spitfire Mark LF IXb, is among the most original Spitfires still capable of flying in the world.
Because it is a “continuous history”, the majority of its structures can be traced back directly to its production.
Interior is in its original Second World War design, which includes the retro rearview mirror as well as the pilot seat.
After being damaged or becoming old, planes with a similar age often get newer parts.
Wilson ‘Connie Edwards was a stunt pilot who chose MH415 to be his prize instead of being compensated for flying over 125 hours in mock dogs in the 1969 classic The Battle of Britain.
It was returned to Texas by Edwards, who flew it only a few times. After that it was kept in the barn for 41 year. Edwards sold his plane and sent it to Australia in 2014.
MH415 was to play a starring part in 1969’s hit movie ‘The Battle of Britain,’ which featured Sir Michael Caine.
Vintage Fighter Restorations took the Spitfire through a complex restoration, where they used original parts rather than looking for modern alternatives. Last year, the Spitfire was restored to its former glory at Sywell Aerodome.
The Aircraft Sales Company Auctioneers stated that MH415 remained fully assembled from the date it was manufactured, except for shipping and maintenance.
“Right through the beginning of its restoration 2015, and complete to airworthiness in 2021.
“A remarkable aircraft, with documented WWII combat experience. MH415 is one the best-known Spitfires with airworthy capabilities in the entire world.
“On September 24, 1943, MH415 declared a FW-190 victory’ in north-west France. It was flown by F/O Desmond F. Ruchwaldy.
It was part of a mission to transport 12 Mitchell bombers to the Amiens Marshalling Yards.
“During 1968, the plane starred in the movie “The Battle of Britain”, which was released September 1969.
Richard Grace of Aircraft Sales Company said that this Spitfire is one of the best in its class. Only the wings spars were replaced. This aircraft shot down the Focke-Wulf-190 during World War 2. It’s a Mark IX very early model, very uncommon. I’ve flown it, and it is wonderful to fly.
In 1938, the Spitfire was the first monoplane made entirely of metal and became the fastest aircraft to enter service. The Spitfire was capable of reaching 350 mph at its first production, although this was later increased to around 35%.