Replica MKVb Supermarine Spitfire has been sold ahead of auction above-estimate

A full-size replica MKVb Supermarine Spitfire owned by the Royal British Legion was sold ahead of auction for an above-estimate sum. The aircraft was due to be sold at the Goodwood Revival sale by Bonhams on 17th Sept and had attracted a pre-sale estimate of £50,000-60,000.

Its new owner is Michael Oliver, chair of Europe’s largest, privately-owned valve manufacturer, and he plans to house the Spitfire with his collection of cars in Cheshire.

Michael commented: “I’m absolutely thrilled to have this iconic Spitfire as part of my collection and am very pleased that the Royal British Legion is benefiting.”

The aircraft was built in 2008 by members of the Ripon Branch of the Legion in order to publicise their work and took 10 months and 11,000 man-hours to construct. It was built using original Supermarine blueprints and original Spitfire parts.

The replica represents aircraft No W3850, which was flown by Pilot Officer Joe Atkinson, later Flight Lieutenant Sir Joe Atkinson KCB CB DFC, over France on 13th October 1941 in an attempt to protect Blenheim bombers attacking port installations.