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I hadnt seen this reported on any of the forums?, but a visit this morning to my local public library (newsagent) highlighted a local Australian aviation magazine reporting that Spitfire Mk IX MH603 has been purchased via Provenance by Col Pay's son and will be imported to Australia for its rebuilding to be completed.
I assume this is correct but just hasnt filtered outside Australia as yet?
The aircraft is listed as sold by Provenance, although their site states it will be remaining at Q.G. Aviation for its restoration.
Quote:
Nothing is known about its South African service at this time. It was obtained by Steven Atkins and sold to John Sykes, who started rebuilding it to an airworthy standard. The aircraft was sold to Dr. Joe Scogna of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and the project was moved to Q.G. Aviation in Fort Collins, Colorado.
http://www.provenancefightersales.com/spitfire_MH603.htm
I often complain about the loss of genuine historic aircraft from Australia with little to show for it other than a reverse flow Nanchungs, L29's and Luscombes, however in recent times the tide has been turning a little bit, although again this particular aircraft has no historic service connection to Australia other than as a type, it is likely to adopt some "historic" Australian paint scheme to portray Australian aviation heritage.
It is good to know that despite a world wide recession, and deterioration of the Australian exchange rate due to the end of the commodities boom, the Australian economy is still strong to encourage purchases not fire sales of warbirds?.
It is also pleasing to see the Pay business and warbird collection continues on despite the tragic loss of its founder, and very appropriate to see a spitfire been added back into the collection, given Col's role in restoring and flying the first to operate in Australian skies since the war (legally at least).
regards
Mark Pilkington
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