Flames
13-10-2000, 02:20
Three Spitfires restored to flying condition have gone on sale with bidding expected to top four million pounds.
The three World War Two fighters were discovered in varying states of disrepair.
One was found wrecked at Culcutta in India, another was being used in a display outside a Belgian airforce base.
One of the aircraft is thought to be the first allied plane to touch down in France after the D-day invasion.
Rebuilding History
Experts have spent three years restoring the fighters at a specialist aviation firm based in Saffron Walden, Essex.
Historic Flying, the company says the sale is particularly unusual because it is open to all comers.
The firm’s general manager Chris Betson said:”We think it’s the first time historic planes like this have gone on sale in this way.
“Normally historic planes change hands through dealers and private collectors.
“Here, anyone interested only has to get in touch with us,” he added.
The three World War Two fighters were discovered in varying states of disrepair.
One was found wrecked at Culcutta in India, another was being used in a display outside a Belgian airforce base.
One of the aircraft is thought to be the first allied plane to touch down in France after the D-day invasion.
Rebuilding History
Experts have spent three years restoring the fighters at a specialist aviation firm based in Saffron Walden, Essex.
Historic Flying, the company says the sale is particularly unusual because it is open to all comers.
The firm’s general manager Chris Betson said:”We think it’s the first time historic planes like this have gone on sale in this way.
“Normally historic planes change hands through dealers and private collectors.
“Here, anyone interested only has to get in touch with us,” he added.