13 May 2025
Come and Visit Sandy's Spitfire
Sandy's Spitfire
The Spitfire AA810 has just spent two weeks on display at the Royal Automobile Club (RAC), where it was reunited with a vintage Bentley, raced in period by spitfire pilot, AP Fane. We were proud to support the logistics involved in getting the Bentley to the event, contributing to the reunion of these two remarkable pieces of wartime heritage.
One of our consignment cars, YX1915, was delivered new in July 1928 to Air Commodore Sir Henry Nigel Norman, later commander of the famed 601 'Millionaires' Squadron. Sir Henry Nigel St. Valery Norman Bt was a pioneer of British aviation. He was born in London on 21st May 1897 and served with distinction in France during the Great War, with both the Royal Garrison Artillery and the Royal Artillery. His later contributions to military aviation leadership reflect the same spirit of innovation and courage celebrated by the Spitfire AA810 project.
The Spitfire AA810 is a historically significant aircraft currently undergoing restoration with the aim of returning to flight by early 2027. Known as the world’s oldest surviving unarmed military reconnaissance aircraft, AA810 played a key role in World War II missions and is the only known aircraft still in existence to have connections to the famous "Great Escape." It also holds the record for the highest operational hours flown of any surviving Mk1 Spitfire variant. Among its notable pilots, it was flown operationally by one of the most famous pre-war racing drivers of all time.
Restoration of the aircraft is well underway, with around 65% of the necessary funding already secured. However, approximately £1.3 million is still required to complete the project. One of the most urgent funding needs is £378,600 to finish the wing ribs and wheel bay structure. The project is being led by a team with decades of experience in aviation restoration and offers several sponsorship opportunities, including the chance to sponsor Sandy’s Spitfire for as little as £2.50.
In addition to the aircraft restoration, the Spitfire AA810 project is committed to commemorating the legacy of the pilots who flew these reconnaissance missions. Memorial plaques have been installed in locations such as Norway and Edinburgh in honour of individuals like Alastair "Sandy" Gunn.
Click here to donate to Sandy’s Spitfire.
Nigel Norman with his aero plane G-ACNN (1933)
Sandy's Spitfire will be on display at The Works until 27th May, don’t miss the opportunity to see this remarkable spitfire restoration project!
We have availability on our guided workshop tour on Thursday, 15th May, and will also be open on Saturday, 17th and 24th May. Come along and visit it for yourself, book here.
