20/10/2026
Today marks 92 years since the de Havilland DH.88 Comet G-ACSS Grosvenor House made aviation history ✈️
The famous MacRobertson Air Race, took place on 20 October 1934, from Mildenhall in England to Melbourne in Australia, over a distance of approximately 11,300 miles!
A total of 20 aircraft took part in the race, competing for the £15,000 first prize - equivalent to approximately £900,000 today! de Havilland entered three Comets, including, G-ACSP Black Magic, G-ACSR and our Collection's G-ACSS Grosvenor House.
And this is where Grosvenor House made history...
After an incredible 70 hours, 54 minutes and 18 seconds, it touched down in Melbourne, crossing the finish line as the winner of this legendary air race ❤️
Following an incident involving G-ACSS, we have launched a dedicated fundraising appeal to support the repair works of the aircraft.
Find out more about the project and how we aim to have this iconic piece of aviation history flying again in time for the 100th Anniversary of the race: https://www.shuttleworth.org/discover/de-havilland-dh88-comet-project