Our Story

Spitfire Industries was born under the stars — around a glowing campfire in Mtunzini, KwaZulu-Natal. That night, my best friend Fritz Kouwenhoven and I, Vincent van Ryneveld, sat under the open sky, speaking about life, purpose, and the things we could build if we followed our passion. What started as a simple idea shared between friends soon sparked something far greater — a brand rooted in heritage, craftsmanship, and meaning.

That heritage runs deep. I've been involved since 2015 in the restoration of Spitfire TE213 (SAAF 5518), working alongside the Friends of the South African Air Force Museum to bring this iconic aircraft back to life. It's a project that has shaped me — an experience that taught me the value of precision, dedication, and legacy.

But Spitfire Industries is also built on a personal family legacy that stretches back more than a century. My great-grandfather, Sir Pierre van Ryneveld, along with Sir Quintin Brand, made aviation history in 1920 by completing the first-ever flight from London to Cape Town in a Vickers Vimy. Their journey, filled with hardship and resilience, was a defining moment in aviation history — not just for South Africa, but for the world.

Following that feat, at the direction of Jan Smuts, then Prime Minister of the Union of South Africa, Sir Pierre was tasked with laying the foundations of what would become the South African Air Force. As its first commanding officer, he helped build an institution that would shape the skies of a nation.

At Spitfire Industries, we carry that spirit forward — not just in name, but in everything we create. Our handcrafted braais and aviation-inspired builds are more than functional pieces; they're storytelling tools, crafted with care, welded with soul, and driven by a purpose bigger than ourselves.

We believe in the power of legacy — and in building things that last.