MT719 as it was discovered at Jaipur in 1977, with the fabric rotted from its tail surfaces and with daylight showing through its exhaust ports.

Plate by BARRY ELLSON, RAF Germany.

Restoration of the airframe was well under way in Turin during 1980-81.

The Spitfire is pictured at Vergiate on the day of its first post-restoration flight in October 1982. Note the 17 Squadron gauntlet emblem.