The Grace Spitfire ML407 Official Web Site   

The Grace Spitfire is one of the few current warbirds to have a very colourful wartime history. The Spitfire ML407 was built as an LF IXc at Castle Bromwich in 1944, and was delivered to 485 New Zealand Squadron on the 29th of April 1944 by Jackie Moggridge, one of the ATA's top female pilots. ML407 completed 137 missions with 485 Sqn. 

During WWII, the RAF was made up of many nationalities with many squadrons consisting of pilots from occupied Europe, and other commonwealth states. ML407 served with many of these squadrons during its wartime service, 341 (Free French) Squadron, then 308 (Polish) Squadron, 349 (Belgium) Squadron. In February 1945 ML407 returned to 485 Squadron, before being sent to 345 Squadron (Free French). In April 1945, ML407 moved on to 332 (Norwegian) Squadron.  

Between 1944 and the end of hostilities, ML407s pilots claimed several kills, including one Junkers Ju88, a half-share in another Ju88, two Bf109s and damaged one Bf109. Whilst being flown by Flying Officer Johnnie Houlton DFC, ML407 claimed the first air to air kill by a Spitfire over the beach head on D Day June 6th 1944 (the first actual kill being claimed by a Mosquito). In total ML407 flew 176 wartime sorties cumulating in over 200 combat flying hours.

In 1950 ML407 returned to its manufacturers, and was converted to a two seat configuration for service with the Irish Air Corps. The aircraft served as 'IAC162' until its retirement in 1960. Like many Spitfires, ML407 soon found itself involved with the film "The Battle of Britain" and after filming she was sold to the Strathallan Museum. It was here that engineer Nick Grace found her in a total of seventeen tea chests, and acquired her in 1979. 

Nick spent five years meticulously restoring ML407 to an airworthy state, and on the 16th April 1985, ML407 now registered as G-LFIX, once again took to the skies with Nick Grace at the controls.

ML407 started performing at air shows, and has featured in films such as "Perfect Lady", and "Piece of Cake". Sadly another documentary "Going Solo" was born out of tragedy. In 1988 Nick Grace was killed in a car accident, but rather than let ML407 sit on the ground, his wife Carolyn Grace (already a PPL holder) undertook the task of learning to fly her, soloing in 1990. Carolyn gained her Display Authorisation in 1991, and also holds a CAA Unlimited Formation Display Authorisation. Carolyn is currently the only qualified female Spitfire pilot in the world.

The Grace Spitfire as she now known, is painted in her original 485 (NZ) Squadron markings as OU-V, and still performs on the air display circuit each year both at public and private shows.

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