Restoration Force

Walk into any of the myriad aircraft museums dotted across the world and you can appreciate the wonderfully restored and preserved exhibits on display. But what about the many gems lovingly brought back to life and hiding away in peoples garages, sheds, barns and gardens?

With Gavin Hoffens book you become a privileged spectator into a dedicated but often secretive world to protect their security, names, projects and locations have been limited to the very basics. This is the nostalgic domain of the amateur restorer, hobbyist, and cockpiteer, of which since purchasing his first military cockpit in 2010, Gavin is one.

Here you will find complete coverage of 23 projects worldwide with background histories of the aircraft and full-colour photos of the restoration be it of cockpit, fuselage, or full aircraft. From Spitfire to Chipmunk, Vulcan to Buccaneer, Piper Aztec to B-52, this is a fascinating insight into an obsession with the romance that aviation once was. A must-see for every aircraft aficionado, and an inspiration for future preservers.

About the Author

Gavin Hoffen was born in 1980 in a Wiltshire village surrounded by disused Second World War airfields. The military aviation seed was planted at a very young age with many summer holidays spent exploring the decaying airfield parameters. His love of aviation flourished in secondary school at Haberdashers Monmouth School, where he played an active role in the Combined Cadet Force. After leaving education, even though his career path took him down a career in property, his love of aviation never left him. In 2010, Gavin purchased his first military cockpit and a passion for aircraft cockpits was born.