David Lowy brings Spitfire Mk VIII A58-758/VH-HET in close to the camera aircraft. Note the white leading edge paint, applied to ease identification during the war.
PHILIP MAKANNA photographed David Lowy flying his Supermarine Spitfire Mk VIII A58-758/VH-HET/MV239 from its base at Temora, New South Wales, Australia. It is painted in the sharkmouth colour scheme of A58-602, flown by "Bobby" Gibbes commander of 80 Wing RAAF in the South-west Pacific in 1944-45.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Supermarine Spitfire Mk.VI / VII / VIII - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1942

This superb air-to-air portrait of Davod Lowy flying his Supermarine Spitfire Mk VIII A58-758/VH-HET from his base at Temora, New South Wales, Australia, was taken by PHILIP MAKANNA/GHOSTS in August 2001. The fighter wears the markings of Spitfire HF.VIII A58-602/RG-V, the personal 457 Sqn aircraft of Wg Cdr R.H. “Bobby” Gibbes, commander of No 80 Wing RAAF, based at Morotai in April 1945. The unit’s name, Grey Nurse, derived from a species of shark. The Spitfire made its first public appearance in its new colours at the AVIEX show at Bankstown in November 2000.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Supermarine Spitfire Mk.VI / VII / VIII - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1942

Half way through its restoration with Col Pay at Scone, A58-758 was outside for engine runs on September 30, 1984, with a cut-down “slave” Avro Lincoln propeller.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Supermarine Spitfire Mk.VI / VII / VIII - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1942

The Spitfire at Camden Airport in January 1976, after restoration to taxying condition at Camden Aviation Museum.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Supermarine Spitfire Mk.VI / VII / VIII - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1942

In a beautiful paddock setting at Scone, the newly-painted Spitfire gets an airing on May 13, 1987, seven months before the first post-restoration flight.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Supermarine Spitfire Mk.VI / VII / VIII - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1942

Having sunk into the ground and serious dereliction while stored at Bankstown, A58-758/MV239 is craned out of the backyard on July 29, 1972, on its way to the Camden Aviation Museum for restoration.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Supermarine Spitfire Mk.VI / VII / VIII - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1942

A58-758/MV239 seen in external storage at Bankstown on May 5, 1962 while owned by Syd Marshall.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Supermarine Spitfire Mk.VI / VII / VIII - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1942

In Col Pay’s workshop earlier in 1984, the Spitfire shows off its new skins and replacement Merlin 68A engine.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Supermarine Spitfire Mk.VI / VII / VIII - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1942