Ex Air Corps Seafire for sale

[Frank (Admin)]

Hi Guys,

I received an email a few days ago from a person in England who has an ex Irish Air Corps Seafire (naval version of the Spitfire) for sale.

These are extracts from the original email and the reply to my questions:

Quote

Email 1:   I have in my possesion a partly restored ex IAC Seafire. Would there be any interested parties in this aeroplane being repatriated to Dublin as a fully restored static.   Email 2:   I was hoping that there was an official IAC museum and that perhaps Euro money could be used to purchase the aeroplane. Its made up from RX 168 (Ex IAC 157) and some fuselarge frames of PR 302 (Ex IAC 146). The kit is 99% complete with original Merlin 55M and Rotol Prop, so it is straight forward for me to assemble it. The assembly, like the restoration so far, would be to a very high aviation standard. Price would be £750,000 (€1.1m). About £500,000 (€721,000) less than a flyer but if the engine and prop were overhauled it would fly.  (Total price: €1.8m)

If any person or organisation out there is seriously interested in this aircraft and has or can organise the money or knows where this aircraft could be housed in Ireland please contact me for more information.

I will only deal with questions that will result in the Seafire coming to Ireland and nowhere else.


Regards,

Frank.

[Silver]

Wouldn't it be great if this Spitfire was purchased by the State and restored to flying condition !!!

Imagine the sound of the Merlin V12 flying over Baldonnel (again) !

It's at times like this that we really need an aviation museum in Ireland !!!!!!

[Turkey]

Silver, no offence, but we already have an avaition museum in Ireland. It's called the Irish Air Corps.
Now while I agree that the preservation of our past is extremly important, it might be better to sort out the present first.
Right now, I would like to figure out a way to start getting SAR back into the IAC,where it belongs, and getting the **** that laughingly calls itself a government replaced with something that works.

[Silver]

Turkey, no offence, but I think you are fighting a lost cause trying to regain full-time SAR for the Corps.
From what is being stated, the AC will retain SAR training and a secondary SAR role.
Perhaps it's time to concentrate on more 'military' roles.

I don't see why we can't cherish past aircraft as well as operate an effective Corps - most countries already do this at present !