quote above - "The older BoBMF Hurricane LF363 had a serious accident and fire at Wittering a few years back and has arisen, Phoenix-like, from the ashes. How much of the original remains? Dunno.... "
Having helped get LF363 off the airfield at Wittering in 1991, I can definitely tell you that the wings were non-existent, the centre section possibly repairable, the fuselage frame broken and bent but repairable and the engine bulkhead was burnt through, with the engine wrenched off its mounting. Also all the wooden formers fabric were burnt on one side (forgot which) but that must all be regarded as consumable anyway.
I think they say that MH434 is very original, but of course all Spitfires have had to have EVERY magnesium rivet replaced with a modern equivalent. But if it flies and is effectively the real thing, then it doesn't matter.
And think of the "oldest" Tiger Moth G-ACDC. It has crashed so many times - talk about a broom with five replacement heads and three replacement handles!