Status of third Dutch Spitfire

It is time for an update after earlier posts on the restoration of the third Dutch Spitfire Mk.I P9372 (G-CLIH, construction number 6S/30563) in the Biggin Hill Historic Hangar in Biggin Hill, UK.

Scramble brought you news on P9372 on 1 June 2021 and around one year later on 14 March 2022. During a recent visit to the BHHH, Ian Powell was once again willing to take some photographs of the Spitfire project.

On the latest photos, of which one is shown here, it can be seen that the Merlin engine of the fighter has been installed. Once ready the Spitfire, which is restored for supermarket tycoon Frits van Eerd, will be made available to the ‘Stichting (=Foundation) Spitfires Flying Vintage’. This foundation has already made a reservation for the registration PH-CAM.

Hopefully the recent legal investigations into the financial conduct of mr. van Eerd will not interfere with the progress of the project.

Photo Ian Powell