This Spitfire replica rolled into Lotus’s headquarters in Hethel on November 2nd, and we posted an update on our Twitter feed soon after the fighter arrived. The fuselage and wings arrived at the Lotus factory on RAF transporters escorted by Norfolk Police and a duo of Lotus Evoras.

Now we have more information on the project from Evening News 24.

Owned by the Imperial War Museum at Duxford, the plane has been loaned to the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) to help promote for 2010 the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. The highly detailed replica is made of glass-reinforced composite over a metal frame and includes several real Spitfire parts such as the canopy and wheels.

The BBMF sent the model to Lotus after hearing how Lotus had successfully repaired the RAF team’s bobsleigh. As the bobsleigh and plane are made of material similar to that used on some Lotus parts, Lotus is unusually qualified to conduct needed repairs. Lotus will also transform the plane from a Mark IX to a Mark II — the model which would have flown at the Battle of Britain. Changes will include the removal of  some cannon pods, which were only fitted to later aircraft. Lotus aims to complete the work by Christmas.

Speaking with Evening News 24, Neil Turner of Lotus said:

When you say model it conjures up images of a little toy, but it turns out it’s rather bigger than that.

The level of detail on it is really good, it’s very realistic.

We’re proud to help out. Everyone gets quite emotional about Spitfires.

[Source: Evening News 24, Group Lotus]