Periodically, we highlight vintage aircraft listed for sale with one of our sponsors, Platinum Fighter Sales. Want to buy a Spitfire? How much does one cost? What’s it worth? These questions are perennials in the warbird world and beyond. With the P-51D Mustang, the Spitfire’s popularity is in the top rank, recognized by many well beyond aviation.
Platinum Fighter Sales currently has a significant Spitfire available for sale – not just ‘a Spitfire’, but a rare photographic reconnaissance machine, and with a significant, genuine wartime history. Unlike some other Spitfires, this example, as well as being in top condition and ‘ready to go’ is a fully restored, yet original example. As in the listing: “…the fuselage was found to be in very good condition. New wing spars were fitted and the control surfaces were restored. The original propeller hub was found to be in airworthy condition with new blades being fitted. Over the next five (5) years PL965 was lovingly and painstakingly restored to airworthiness by this highly experienced and dedicated [MAPS Ltd.] team.”
This Spitfire took to the skies for its post-restoration flight in the hands of the late great Mark Hanna in 1992 and has been airworthy since, and; “…has been progressively upgraded and restored to her wartime configuration with the inclusion of original Type F.24 & F.52 cameras, other period equipment including her original wartime seat with which she flew ALL her missions, with the head armor being signed by one of her wartime Pilots Norman Godfrey DFC, CDG.”
Supermarine Spitfire P.R. XI PL965 was built as a PR Mk XI photo reconnaissance version, designed to operate at high altitudes (over 30,000 ft.) as well as at high speeds of over 400 mph. The first operational unit was 16 Squadron at Melsbroek Airfield near Brussels in Belgium as part of the 2nd Tactical Air Force. She proudly wore (and wears again) the identifying code “R” for Robert.
The number of airworthy Spitfires remains limited, those with wartime history are fewer, and the war-changing photo reconnaissance types fewer still. Spitfires are rare – what’s this worth to you?
For further details on this rare piece of aviation history, be sure to contact Platinum Fighter Sales!
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