Post by nzompilot on Jun 19, 2008 15:12:15 GMT 12
Spitfire project $300,000 short
Cherie Howie - The Marlborough Express | Thursday, 19 June 2008
A historic 1944 Spitfire will slip from Marlborough's grasp if $300,000 cannot be secured from the public in the next 10 days, aircraft enthusiast Edward Hayward-Smith says.
However, other, cheaper aircraft are being considered after a shortfall in donations required to acquire the Auckland Spitfire Mk XVI.
The aircraft, on sale for $2.5 million, was the subject of a call by Mr Hayward-Smith last month for Marlburians to donate money to secure the aircraft for the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre.
Mr Hayward-Smith said on Friday about 20 Marlburians had registered their interest in the Spitfire. However, indications were this represented only about $200,000.
At least $500,000 was needed before the end of the month or the aircraft, which was factory built and still had all its original fittings, would be lost to an overseas buyer.
Mr Hayward-Smith said he had also asked for Government support to keep the plane in New Zealand, but had no response.
The Spitfire has not flown since 1958 but a half million dollar overhaul of the engine and propeller would get it back in the air.
Mr Hayward-Smith said while he was not giving up on the Spitfire, plans to secure another aircraft were being considered.
Heritage centre trustee Graham Orphan said other aircraft under consideration included a flyable TBM Avenger for $300,000, a flyable Harvard for less than $200,000 and a Bristol Blenheim IV (Bolingbroke). This could be brought to Marlborough for about $100,000 as a project, with further funds sought to for its restoration.
Mr Orphan said the Blenheim bomber had a strong connection to New Zealand; many Kiwi pilots trained in them.
"This was why, when the amazing opportunity arose to secure one of these rare and attractive twin-engined machines, the (heritage centre) board placed a deposit on it in the hope of raising the rest of the funds to bring this machine to New Zealand for restoration."
Indications of support had come from Safe Air, Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology and Base Woodbourne. The US-based owners had been patient and supportive but the deposit would soon be surrendered, he said.
"This initiative is independent on the quest to secure the Spitfire (but) it would make a pretty impressive consolation prize if we miss our chosen target."
Cherie Howie - The Marlborough Express | Thursday, 19 June 2008
A historic 1944 Spitfire will slip from Marlborough's grasp if $300,000 cannot be secured from the public in the next 10 days, aircraft enthusiast Edward Hayward-Smith says.
However, other, cheaper aircraft are being considered after a shortfall in donations required to acquire the Auckland Spitfire Mk XVI.
The aircraft, on sale for $2.5 million, was the subject of a call by Mr Hayward-Smith last month for Marlburians to donate money to secure the aircraft for the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre.
Mr Hayward-Smith said on Friday about 20 Marlburians had registered their interest in the Spitfire. However, indications were this represented only about $200,000.
At least $500,000 was needed before the end of the month or the aircraft, which was factory built and still had all its original fittings, would be lost to an overseas buyer.
Mr Hayward-Smith said he had also asked for Government support to keep the plane in New Zealand, but had no response.
The Spitfire has not flown since 1958 but a half million dollar overhaul of the engine and propeller would get it back in the air.
Mr Hayward-Smith said while he was not giving up on the Spitfire, plans to secure another aircraft were being considered.
Heritage centre trustee Graham Orphan said other aircraft under consideration included a flyable TBM Avenger for $300,000, a flyable Harvard for less than $200,000 and a Bristol Blenheim IV (Bolingbroke). This could be brought to Marlborough for about $100,000 as a project, with further funds sought to for its restoration.
Mr Orphan said the Blenheim bomber had a strong connection to New Zealand; many Kiwi pilots trained in them.
"This was why, when the amazing opportunity arose to secure one of these rare and attractive twin-engined machines, the (heritage centre) board placed a deposit on it in the hope of raising the rest of the funds to bring this machine to New Zealand for restoration."
Indications of support had come from Safe Air, Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology and Base Woodbourne. The US-based owners had been patient and supportive but the deposit would soon be surrendered, he said.
"This initiative is independent on the quest to secure the Spitfire (but) it would make a pretty impressive consolation prize if we miss our chosen target."
