I was just reading the August FlyPast and noticed the piece on Spitfire 1a P9306. It scored five kills during the Battle of Britain and may have been flown by “Sailor” malan. It’s largely original, being sent to the USA for a War Bond tour in 1942 and placed in the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry not long after. it retains RAF-applied paint and hasn’t been modified.
I was thinking that it has to be one of the more historic surviving Spitfires.
I’ll ask you the experts, are there any other candidates in terms of combat history and originality?
By: pogno - 21st July 2011 at 10:29
The Smithsonian, National Air And space Museum Spitfire F. Mk. VIIc must be high on the originality scale having been sent directly to the US from the production line and only used for trials, going to the Museum in 1949. But its low on historic value having never been used operationally. Although its high on the unique scale being a long wing/ high altitude version.
Richard
By: Sky High - 21st July 2011 at 09:13
Interesting thread. My understanding is that, although lacking total originality, MH434 is pretty close to the real thing and as a flyer has to be a very impressive candidate. Are there in fact any surviving Spits wholly original?
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July 21, 2011 at 2:18 am