The Spitfire is the most famous British aircraft of all time. Although less numerous than the Hawker Hurricane, it is remembered as the sleek, thoroughbred fighting machine that turned the tide during the Battle of Britain. The Spitfire was among the fastest and most maneuverable prop-driven fighters of World War II, serving in virtually every combat theater.

Supermarine designer Reginald Mitchell created this small, graceful, elliptical-wing fighter with eight guns in the wings that were able to fire without being hindered by the propeller. The immortal Spitfire thus became not merely one of the best-performing fighters of all time, but also one of the best-looking. Although never employed as a long-range escort, the Spitfire was a champion in an air-to-air duel. Spitfires routinely dived at the speed of sound, faster than any of the German jets.

A carrier-based version, called the Seafire, was a winner in its own right, serving valiantly on convoy routes during World War II. The Seafire 47 was even used in the early stages of the Korean War, before it was replaced by more modern jet aircraft.

Pictured here is a 1:48 scale replica of a Supermarine Spitfire Mk. I fighter that was involved in the Battle of Dunkirk which ran from May-June, 1940. It was discovered and subsequently salvaged in 1980 and eventually restored to proper working order. Pre-order! Ship Date: June 2025.

Dimensions:
Wingspan: 9-inches
Length: 7-1/2-inches

Release Date: ?

Historical Account: "Evacuation" - The restoration of Spitfire Mark I P9374 was a true labor of love undoubtedly the most authentic Spitfire restoration ever completed.

The effort required was immense in terms of time, manpower, and financial commitment. The restoration project demanded the dedication and devotion of 12 English craftsmen, working full time, for three whole years and consumed almost 27,000 man hours. The attention to detail was meticulous and all consuming. No item or issue was too insignificant. The quest to bring back this one of a kind aircraft to its exact original state, as it had been when departing on its last flight on May 24th, 1940, became an all-consuming endeavor. This enterprise paid off handsomely and, with the resurrection of P9374, a critical piece of history, once lost to the sands of time, has come alive for the world to experience.

In September 1980, the wreckage of a Spitfire emerged from the sands of Calais beach. It was P9374, an early Mk I version of Supermarine's finest creation. On March 6th, 1940, at RAF Croydon, it joined 92 Squadron, a famous fighter squadron engaged in Home Defense duties.

Pilot Officer Williams 'blooded' P9374 in action on May 23rd when he claimed a twin engine German Me 110 destroyed over the French coast. Flying Officer Peter Cazenove was at the controls on May 24th, 1940, along the French coast, in what was to be his first and last combat sortie of the war. In the early days of the war, many aircraft and pilots were lost shortly after joining the fight. P9374 was no exception with a total flight time of only 32 hours and five minutes at the time of its loss. P9374 was hit by fire from a Dornier 17-Z bomber which holed its coolant system. With an overheating engine, Cazenove landed wheels-up on the beach. He radioed that he was okay, adding, "Tell mother I'll be home for tea!" Cazenove made his way into town and fought a rear-guard action with the army before he was taken prisoner. It would be many years before he had tea again with his mother.

P9374 sat unmolested and slowly sank deeper into the sands until it had vanished from sight. Its re-emergence in 1980 is likely the components, including the engine and machine guns, were found to be in remarkably good condition. Sadly, Peter Cazenove died shortly before the recovery.