The Spitfire was built during a World War when fighting aircraft had a life expectancy measured in less than a hundred missions. The repair, maintenance, and operation of each aircraft were the responsibility of dozens of squadron mechanics or repair depot workers. The Spitfire was never designed for long-term ease of maintenance with many components hard to replace or even reach.

Systems were life-limited and developed to allow efficient production not a three-thousand hour airframe life or a sixty year airframe life. The remaining Spitfires require armies of volunteers and/or very large operational budgets far beyond the reach of most aircraft owners. Living, breathing war relics have become increasingly rare, due to the ravages of time and years of attrition. Despite the incredible efforts of the restorers and museums only a few dozen Spitfires are airworthy today. Their obvious value as historical artifacts, added to their unmatched desirability have brought the value of any airworthy Spitfire to well over £1.5 million and up to £6 million for those with combat history.

The Spitfire Aircraft Company USA (SAC) was formed for the specific purpose of creating a real Spitfire. Gateguards UK act as the SOLE agents in the UK and Europe for the Spitfire Aircraft Company (SAC) and we are please to advise that full size replica Spitfire Mk 3 aircraft will soon be available directly here in the UK.

Coming soon, please contact us for more information.