1971 Flight Library Print Spad XIII Lafayette Escadrille WWI Vintage Aviation

1971 Flight Library Print Spad XIII Lafayette Escadrille WWI Vintage Aviation Art

Rare 1971 Flight Library print featuring the historic Spad XIII — a prized collectible for WWI aviation historians, collectors, and enthusiasts. ✈️

Print: approx. 10 1/8  x 8 inches

Texts: please see images

Condition: In good condition. Please check our images.
Internal notes: QC passed

Above a forest of rich autumn colours, the formidable silhouette of the Spad XIII cuts a proud path through the cool, open skies — a living memory of the daring days of the First World War. With the crisp roar of its Hispano-Suiza engine echoing across the treetops, this iconic French fighter, beautifully painted in the colours of the Lafayette Escadrille, seems to breathe life into the very spirit of aerial combat’s earliest heroes. This stunning Flight Library print captures a timeless moment, transporting you straight into the heart of a world where courage and innovation ruled the skies.

Designed around the reliable Hispano-Suiza engine, the Spad XIII was a vital force in 1917–1918 air combat, flown by celebrated aces such as René Fonck and the American Expeditionary Force heroes including Rickenbacker and Frank Luke. Distinguished from its predecessor by greater speed, heavier armament, and refined aerodynamics, the Spad XIII quickly became a favourite for Allied pilots during and after the Great War. Published by Flight in London in 1971 (Flight Colour No. 56), this official print showcases a restored Spad XIII flying in the USA — an authentic tribute to a defining chapter of aviation history.

Preserving rare prints like this is more than collecting — it is an act of remembrance and celebration of the brave souls who shaped the future of flight. For collectors, historians, and enthusiasts, this evocative piece offers not only aesthetic beauty but a profound emotional connection to the legacy of the Lafayette Escadrille and the courageous aviators of the First World War.