The Silverstone motor racing circuit is on the site of a WW2 RAF bomber station and, apart from the first few meetings which used stretches of the original runways, in its early years the circuit followed the line of the perimeter track. This meant that the runways were able to be used by aircraft and part is still in use, mainly as a heliport, for the British Grand Prix and other meetings. I've seen a variety of aircraft there when I've attended meetings, and this is one I photographed at the Coys International Historic Festival meeting in July 1998.
It's a Supermarine Spitfire Mk VIIIc and was built in 1944, but didn't see any wartime service. Its engine is a Rolls-Royce Merlin built under license in the USA by the Packard Motor Car Company. The aircraft was shipped to Australia in 1944 where it remained till 1979 when it was acquired by Robs Lamplough who brought it to this meeting at Silverstone where he was competing in his Lotus 33. The programme of the event has an article which refers to the various reminders around the circuit of Silverstone's wartime history and says:
'But this weekend there could be rather more reminders than usual because, once again, there will be an outstanding display of vintage and classic aircraft assembled by Simon Ames and the Air Squadron. This group of aircraft enthusiasts number about 100 and includes former RAF Cranwell graduate, Robs Lamplough. BRDC member Robs, a very successful racing driver in the late 1960s, will be racing his Lotus 33 this weekend but is also expected to arrive in his magnificent Spitfire Mk VIII. This 1944 aircraft is believed to be one of only four airworthy Mk VIIIs and it took a team of engineers at Filton some 14 years to painstakingly restore.'
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