The Spitfire Projects

THE SPITFIRE PROJECTS

The Spitfire Projects

Tool Care Hire owner, Martin Phillips, was challenged to build a complete Spitfire aeroplane plane by friends, who handed over a single bolt to get his project off the ground.

He sourced original Spitfire parts from all over the world and, after 13 years, his mission was completed – as his plane finally took to the skies.

The Story So Far

In November 1999, for his 40th birthday, Martin was given a present of a single rivet. With the rivet came a challenge to fulfil a childhood dream – build a Spitfire.

With the assistance of Steve Vizard of Airframe Assemblies a project was sourced. The fuselage of RR232 was purchased from West Sussex and then, thanks to local knowledge, a wing was salvaged from a hedgerow near Exeter – the work then began.

‘How hard could it be?’

Martin was determined to be hands-on from the start. There were of course teething problems – parts were purchased that were not as described. Work was promised and not delivered. Many miles were travelled, but over time reliable suppliers were discovered and a team of talented enthusiasts gathered.

Over the years and on a limited budget she slowly started to come to life – original parts were stripped and tested for airworthiness and new parts were manufactured to drawing or patterns.

Eventually Spitfire RR232 was brought back to life.

You can read more about the unique story behind Spitfire RR232 in the following articles:

The Telegraph – Scrambled Spitfire gets closer to take-off
The Daily Mail – It all started with a rivet
Metro – Businessman spends £2.5million building Spitfire from single bolt

Latest News

Airshows

Nov 12, 2015

Well what a couple of months... The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) issued a Permit to Fly 2 days before Biggin Hill where she made her debut appearance; From there she flew to Goodwood for the Revival Meeting and the Fly Past, then on to the Duxford air show....

A Big Thank You

Aug 12, 2015

Spitfire RR232 takes flight again A big thank you to everyone who made yesterday possible. It was lovely to see RR232 back in the air after a very long 32 months! The inset picture to the left shows the amazing Clive Denney returning from his first test...

Fingers Crossed!

Aug 5, 2015

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) are visiting on Monday. Hopefully this will give us all enough time to prepare for the historic Biggin Hill Fly Past which is being held on Tuesday 18th August to mark the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. All fingers and...

Inside Out Report on the Spitfire

Footage of the Filton Flight

Now you can take to the skies alongside this iconic Mark IX Spitfire in a Bell 206L Longranger Helicopter with Flying with Spitfires.

Flying alongside this plane in the skies above the South of England is a unique experience that puts you in touch with the brave pilots who flew them during the Battle of Britain and throughout World War Two.

Not only is this an incredible spectacle but every flight helps preserve our national heritage by providing much-needed charter work for Spitfires. This not only helps owners keep their aircraft flying but preserves a slice of our national heritage.

Find out more at Flying with Spitfires