And only the keenest in the crowd would be able to spot the difference.
Reaching a top speed of 400kmh, two replica British Supermarine Spitfires put on a show just over 100ft (30.48m) above the thousands who flocked to the Taieri Airfield shortly after 11am at the 2020 Taieri Wings & Wheels Spectacular in Mosgiel yesterday.
The crowd was dazzled by the replica single-seater fighter aircraft despite the two aeroplanes being only 80% and 90% the size of those that took to the skies in World War 2’s Battle of Britain.
He was thrilled to be emceeing at his third two-yearly Wings & Wheels since 2016.
"I absolutely love it," he said.
"This is absolutely perfect. I’m buzzing."
The weather was fine, so he expected the crowds to approach their 2016 numbers.
In that year, up to 10,000 people took in the show.
The 70-plus sport aircraft on display meant aeroplane enthusiasts were sure to find a favourite.
Ivan Campbell, of Loburn, North Canterbury, and Gary Cotterell, of Rangiora, piloted the two Spitfires yesterday.
Both agreed the view from above was "beautiful" as they flew over the crowd in formation.
"There’s a lot of people here. It’s looking good," Mr Cotterell said.
"Do you know what I saw? I saw his wing, that’s what I saw," Mr Campbell said.
He brought his ex-New Zealand Army V8 Land Rover to the airfield as part of his about 30-member memorabilia club’s privately owned display.
Unlike the Spitfires, the wheels on display had clocked kilometres in use by the military — "these are the real deal", he said.
