PRESS
RELEASE - 16th October 2003
Hundreds of original Concorde Aircraft Parts to be Auctioned Online in November
London, October 16th, 2003 -- Several hundred original Concorde parts including wheels, cockpit instruments, service manuals, wing parts and even a 'black box' will be auctioned online through the Concorde Collectables website (www.concordecollectables.com) at the beginning of November.
This remarkable collection was originally acquired by Commander Douglas Kingsford-Hale, MBE - a former Fleet Air Arm pilot and founder and owner of the Flambards Village Theme Park in Cornwall. Commander Kingsford-Hale purchased the items from British Aerospace in 1979 at the cessation of the test programme.
Most of the items were used during the early test flights and many come with flight history or service documentation. A small number are unused and in pristine condition. Now more than 35 years on, these unique pieces of aviation history are expected to fetch prices ranging from ten pounds to several thousand pounds. This will provide the general public with the opportunity to acquire a unique and original piece of aviation history. All items will be sold with a certificate of authenticity signed by Commander Douglas Kingsford-Hale, MBE.
Among the very special items to be sold is a full-size exact replica of the front half of a Concorde which includes a 'flown nose' and which was used for ergonomic ground testing. Huge demand is anticipated for the original flight suit and helmet worn by test-pilot Brian Trubshaw during the first British Concorde test flight in April, 1969. Another remarkable item is a half-sized engine model meticulously carved from hardwood which was used for wind tunnel testing in the 1960s.
The sale of the collection will be managed by Concorde Collectables, who have been selling original Concorde items through their website for over three years. Commander Kingsford-Hale commented "We're all very sorry to see Concorde go, but by working with Concorde Collectables on this auction we can ensure that the widest possible range of enthusiasts and collectors will have the opportunity to purchase their own piece of aviation history."
With the auction scheduled to start a few days after Concorde's retirement it is expected to generate enormous interest. The auction will start at the beginning of November and last for 10 days. Interested buyers can register on the Concorde Collectables website at www.concordecollectables.com to receive advance notification of the dates and details.
About Concorde Collectables
www.concordecollectables.com is run by Inflight World Ltd. The company
started life trading online in aviation service products and has been
selling authentic Concorde and other aircraft collectables since 2000.
The company operates from its own warehouse near London Heathrow Airport.
Concorde Collectables sells only authentic items that were directly associated with the aircraft itself rather than items simply manufactured as recent souvenirs. Most of the items for sale were purchased directly from British Airways or British Aerospace and associated agencies. When these items have gone there will be no more which makes them unique and rare collectables.
About Flambards
Flambards Village Theme Park is situated near Helston in Cornwall. It
was established 27 years ago by Commander Douglas Kingsford-Hale, MBE
and his wife Audrey, when he retired from the Fleet Air Arm after twenty
five years service as a Royal Navy pilot. Commander Kingsford-Hale's
flying career encompassed fighter pilot training with the US Navy where
he often joined the famous Blue Angels formation team on practice flights.
Originally known as Cornwall Aircraft Park, Flambards has evolved into
one of Cornwall's most popular attractions and is annually visited by
nearly half a million people.
Press Enquiries
Email: Press Office press@concordecollectables.com
Phone: Press +44 (0)20 8948 8259
Customer and sales enquiries please call +44 (0)20 8560 5729
