Supermarine Spitfire Restoration Manual Overview:

The Spitfire remains one of the most iconic combat aircraft of all time and to own an airworthy example of this classic fighter is the Holy Grail for many wealthy Warbird collectors. For an aircraft that first flew more than 70 years ago and which went out of production in the early 1950s, it may seem odd to discover that there is a flourishing industry centered on this aircraft in the 21st century. Scratch-building brand new Spitfires or restoring original examples to airworthy condition has become big business, with aircraft changing hands for several million dollars apiece. Husband and wife author team Paul and Louise Blackah look into what is required to find a Spitfire that’s suitable for restoration and then return it to the skies. With Paul’s vast experience in restoring and maintaining the RAF BBMF’s Spitfires, and both Paul and Louise’s contacts in the aircraft restoration community, this promises to be a unique look inside the world of Spitfire building and restoration in the 21st century.

• Fascinating insights into rebuilding and restoring Spitfires.
• Contains hundreds of new and unpublished photographs of restorations.
• Interviews with leading Spitfire builders and restorers.
• Written by established hands-on experts on the subject.

Supermarine Spitfire Restoration Manual authors, Paul and Louise Blackah, look into what is required to find a Spitfire suitable for restoration and then return it to the skies. Paul's vast hands-on experience with the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight's Spitfires combined with his contacts in the aircraft restoration community mean he is uniquely placed to give readers a glimpse inside the world of Spitfire building and restoration in the 21st century.

The Spitfire remains one of the most iconic combat aircraft of all time and to own an airworthy example of this classic fighter is the Holy Grail for many warbird collectors. For an aircraft that first flew more than 70 years ago and which went out of production in the early 1950s, it may seem strange to discover that there is a flourishing industry centered on this aircraft in the 21st century.

Scratch-building brand new Spitfires or restoring original examples to airworthy condition has become big business, with aircraft changing hands for several million pounds apiece.

The Haynes Supermarine Supermarine Spitfire Restoration Manual includes interviews with leading Spitfire builders and restorers as well as containing many new and previously unpublished photographs of Spitfire restorations.

by Paul Blackah
Hardcover, 224 pages.
Published February 2014