KEY POINTS:
The New Zealand owners of a World War II Spitfire are the focus of international attention after putting the vintage plane up for sale - and could be up to $5 million better off.
The Vickers Supermarine single-seat Spitfire is one of more than 20,000 of the aircraft built during World War II, but is one of fewer than 50 left in the world.
It has been in the Subritzky family, of the North Shore, for 11 years. They own a number of other aircraft, including a Vickers Vincent, Avro Anson, Gloster Meteor and a Hawker Hind which when completed will be one of two flying examples.
Owner Mike Subritzky said having the Spitfire was a privilege, with its history making it the best aircraft the family had owned.
"It's a time capsule. It's been around since 1944 and it's special because it's not a replica."
Although the Subritzkys have not got an asking price for the aircraft, Spitfires in good condition can be worth up to $5 million.
Britain's Spitfires have been regarded as one of the most famous fighter planes in history, for their role in battle in World War II.
Together with the Hawker Hurricane, it proved too strong for opposing aircraft. The Vickers Supermarine Spitfire up for sale still holds its original equipment, including the radio.
Mr Subritzky acknowledges that a lot of people have a passion for restoring old aircraft but says sometimes it's better to do less.
"A lot of collectors restore aircraft and they modernise them a lot and they simplify them.
"But we're more about conservation because when you modernise a craft, I think it takes something away from it. It takes away it's soul."
The Spitfire has been advertised on Trade Me, generating keen interest here and overseas.
"We've had interest from around the country, the UK, America and even the Germans are after it."
Mr Subritzky said people had already come in to view the Spitfire, which for many has brought back memories.
"An old man came to see it and he was in tears, thinking back as a 19-year-old flying in a Spitfire," Mr Subritzky said.
His mother Robyn Subritzky said: "We've even caught a fella with one leg over the side of it."
Because it is one of a handful of Spitfires in the country including one at the Auckland War Memorial Museum and another in Feilding, Mrs Subritzky says, the family definitely hope a Kiwi buys the Spitfire, as it will continue to be an asset to the country.
Mrs Subritzky acknowledges the historic icon in their hands, saying:
"It's special and a real bit of history.
"We're not just going to give it away."
