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Vyrell Mitchell, Prince William, Piper Arrow accident.

BBC ON THIS DAY | 28 | 1972: Prince William killed in plane crash

I am enquiring after Vyrell Mitchell who was with Prince William of Gloucester in the accident in 1972.
Vyrell worked for Beagle Aircraft at Shoreham in 1966 and moved to CSE Aviation at Oxford in Jan 1967.
He was the demonstrator pilot for the Piper products until his death 5 years later.

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p220/baron_beeza/Vyrell.jpg

I have bought a Mk1 Lotus Cortina and the car is basically two owner, owned by Vyrell for the first three years. He would have owned it from early 1966 and had it at both Shoreham and Oxford. I still have the old style V5 showing the various registration addresses.

I am wondering if perhaps somewhere here may remember him, or the car. Photos would be extra nice.
I imagine the car would have been used as a backdrop or counter balance in several aircraft photos. Vyrell was reasonably high profile being both Sales Manager and demonstration pilot. I have searched through hundreds of photos in the galleries here , I think it may be him in some of the Beagle photos, but no sign of his ‘real’ pride and joy just yet.

A White Mk1 Cortina with the green Lotus Flash down the sides…. KPO 303D. Some readers may recall the vehicle from the Tiger Club at Redhill in the mid 1980’s.

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p220/baron_beeza/LotusCortinaatTigerClub.jpg

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By: Moggy C - 31st March 2025 at 14:51

Can’t help with the query but just had to say how much I love the car.

Around that time I owned a couple of the 1500 GT Cortina, but the Lotus was always the one to lust after.

Have fun with it.

Moggy

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By: pogno - 31st March 2025 at 14:50

I cant help with your query, but I also like the car. I had a Mk1 Cortina, rolled it on the road that runs along the North side of where Greenham Common airfield was, near the tower, Burys Bank, just past the the golf club.

Richard

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By: Wyvernfan - 31st March 2025 at 14:50

Just echoing what Moggy said really… can’t help with the query but great car bb. My father owned a Mk 2 Lotus Cortina in the mid 1970’s. Damn quick motor for its day too.

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