Replica of war hero's Spitfire sold before auction

A replica Spitfire modelled on the plane flown by one of Britain's most daring war heroes has sold for an above-estimate sum, ahead of auction.

The plane, owned by the Royal British Legion, was due to be auctioned by Bonhams at the Goodwood Revival on September 17.

Its pre-sale price was listed as between 50,000 and 60,000.

But new owner, businessman Michael Oliver, was desperate to get his hands on it and struck a deal before the sale.

The sale price was not released.

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Before housing it with his collection of cars in Cheshire, Mr Oliver is allowing the plane to be used by the RAF at the Battle of Britain commemorations at York Minster on September 19 and at a graduation ceremony on September 30 at the RAF’s Lincolnshire Cranwell training college.

The aircraft is a full-sized aluminium replica of a MKVb Supermarine Spitfire.

It was modelled on aircraft number W3850 – flown by Flight Lieutenant Sir Joe Atkinson over France on October 13, 1941.

His mission was to protect Blenheim bombers attacking port installations.

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Pilot Officer Atkinson’s formation of planes battered a number of German Messerschmitt 109s during the flight. He was later awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Mr Oliver, the chairman of a valve manufacturer, said: “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.

“It seems very fitting for it to be used at the Battle of Britain commemorations.”

Stephen Cooper, commercial director of the Royal British Legion said: “This is a fantastic outcome. The offer was very generous and the buyer is being most kind in making the airframe available for worthy causes.”

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Built in 2008 by members of the Ripon branch of the Legion in order to publicise their work, the Spitfire took 10 months and 11,000 man-hours to construct.

It was built using original Supermarine blueprints and original Spitfire parts. It is currently housed at RAF Linton-on-Ouse in North Yorkshire.