The experimental Antoinette VII, a further development of the Antoinette IV, was built specifically to attempt a crossing of the English Channel and claim the Daily Mail prize. Ironically, the Antoinette VII's first flight took place on 25 July 1909, the same day that Louis Blériot succeeded in crossing the channel. On display are the original fuselage and engine, but replica wings and tail unit were fitted after WWII.