Spitfire TR 9 in KINGS CUP, COVENTRY--G-AIDN
 

Does anyone remember in the 60s the two seat Spit G-AIDN belonging to The Southampton Aero Club being in the Kings Cup air race other than in 1961 when it was flown by Viv Bellamy.

I remember being in the crowd when it went directly over our heads at about 30 feet flat out at the finish--amazing!

Any pictures or reference appreciated.

Thank you

PS It was painted blue in those days!

Spitfire TR 9 in KINGS CUP, COVENTRY--G-AIDN
 

This the one?
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c6...aft/G-AIDN.jpg
History:
Built 1944, to Controller R&D, High Post in June 1944, to Farnborough, then back to High Post.
Bought by Vickers and converted at Chilbolton from basic airframe to a two-seater. Flew in August 1946 with B-Conditions marks N32, later became G-AIDN.
Used as demonstrator from 1947-1952, stored Chilbolton 1952-1956.
To Hampshire Aeroplane Club in August 1956.
Owned by Vivian Bellamy, Eastleigh, Sept. 1956-1963
Sold to John Fairey, Southampton for £2000 in 1963 and owned by him 1963-67
Half share sold to Tim Davies 1967-1976.
Sold to Mike.S. Bayliss Bagington 1976-1978
Sold to George F Miller, Baginton and later Dinas Powis, 1978-1983.
- Damaged while landing, Feb. 6, 1978.
- Repainted at St Athan in 1980, as MT818/G-M.
- Rebuilt started in 1982 and shipped to Houston, Texas under Miller's ownership.
Passed to Jack Ericson at Medford, Oregon. First flight on April 1987, registered N58JE.
- Operated by Tillamook NAS Air Museum, Tillamook, Oregon, 1997-2002.
Passed into the hands of Provenance Fighter Sales in Murrieta California earlier this year.
Sold to Paul Andrews for the G2 Collection, it was dismantled at Tillamook Oregon mid-June and was due to arrive in the UK August.It is understood that G-AIDN may be put back in its 1946 all over yellow scheme.

I remember seeing G-AIDN outside a hangar at Upavon during the 50 Years of Military Flying display in June 1962. All on its own, no barriers, no security and we were able to walk right up and peer into the rear cockpit.

I was very impressed with the typed placard which said "This aircraft not to exceed 400 mph."

IIRC it was advertised for sale about 1971 o.n.o. 6000 Pounds .
I floated it as a project for group ownership by University Of London Air Squadron.
Not a sausage. (Perhaps wisely!)

Just to say thank you for the above posts.

Did it come back in August, does anyone know its whereabouts?

Here is a shot of 'IDN at Baginton on 15 July 1961 - perhaps at the Kings Cup if you know the date.
Image by JMG Gradidge.
'IDN is now back in the UK and still in the container.
PeterA
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...JMGGradidg.jpg

With Viv Bellamy at the controls!

A few more photographs of G-AIDN
 

This photograph,owned by Mr Tom Drake, was taken at Middle Wallop 1970.
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c6...it20g-aidn.jpg
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c6...it-mt818-3.jpg
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c6...it-mt818-2.jpg

The aircraft is on route from the United States, but should now back in the UK ,

And is being restored to airworthy condition, should be flying again early next year.

Mk XIV Mk VIII. T9 or T8.
 

Can someone clear this one up?
My dad (Ex R.A.F.) took me to an air show c1958-59 at Biggin. There he was told, a MkVIII was giving pleasure/club flight rides for £5. The deal was if they could strap me into the rear cockpit I could "join the club"
Gentleman who was going to fly it gave me two sick bags, "You'll need these" he smiled!
Didn't see much looking over the side but saw a lot when he inverted the bloody thing. I climed/lifted out having used one sick bag! I got Brownie points for that!
The pilot told my dad there were ony a handfull of two seater Mk VIII's made.
Now I read G-AIDN was a XIV.
Anybody seen the original "Docs" of this aircraft?
If the ship is coming home, what price now for a ride?

'IDN is definitely a T.8.

So far as I know, all the other two seat conversions were MkIXs, though I think a recent two seat "restoration" is effectively a MkXVI as it is fitted with a Packard Merlin.

No XIVs became two seaters. That would be a ride and a half!

As I explained to my father as I barfed all over the back of a Chipmunk he was flying.. Horatio Nelson was seasick on his first voyage.

G-AIDN is currently hangared at Kemble, where it has been for the past two years. Not quite sure why it is taking so long to get it airworthy, as it hasn't been seen outside the hangar since it arrived.

Spitfire G-AIDN
 

As a teenager growing up in Eastleigh during the 60's, it was always a pleasure to hear and see GAIDN flying from aero club,resplendent in "Supermarine Blue". I was fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to fly "tandam"on several occasions as reward for many hours cleaning and washing planes and ground gear for the aero club pilots. Have often wondered what happened to her, and all of your information has been interesting and pleasing, knowing that she may once again fly with pride.. Neil.

Full coverage of all the two seat Spitfires in Volume 1

PeterA

Spitfire Survivors Spitfire Survivors New edition to be published October 2010 - click and register for advanced notification.