MALTA AVIATION MUSEUM
Supermarine Spitfire MkIX EN199
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Restoration
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In 1974 an Association was formed to establish a National War Museum. As much as possible of the Spitfire wreckage was collected with the intention of restoring it to display condition. This task proved to be beyond the capabilities of the Association members at the time.
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In 1992 a small dedicated group of volunteers, led by Ray Polidano, re-started the same project. First, by collecting as many of the original parts as possible, although most of which had deteriorated significantly over the years. Much was still missing.
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Eventually sufficient parts were to hand to make a start on the project. The initial work was carried in Ray Polidano's home garage.
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Missing parts had to be either manufactured by hand locally, sourced from overseas, or recovered from underwater wrecks found in the waters around our coast.
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Within 2 years the reconstruction was completed and in time for display in Valletta on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of VE day in 1995. This was to be the beginning of the Malta Aviation Museum.