Bluebird & Campbell History

Project Background | Bluebird/Campbell History | Pendine

The Record

On 18th December 1898 the first World Land Speed record was registered at the alarming speed of 39.24 mph. It was set by the Frenchman Chassaloup-Laubat at Acheres in a Jeantaud, an all electric powered motor vehicle.

It wasn't until 1902 that electricity was substituted by an alternative power form, steam, to take the record up to 76.06 mph. The International Land Speed Record for Electric Vehicles is currently held by "White Lightning", and stands at 245.5mph. "White Lightning" was driven by Pat Rummerfield. The Bluebird Electric attempt, to bring again a world eletric speed record to Britain, beating the current electric record held by "White Lightning".

The Campbells

Donald Campbell Over the years, many names have been set in history as holders of the world land speed record. British names have shared the honours. These include Parry-Thomas, Cobb, Noble and the most famous name of all which is still synonymous with speed records, the Campbells, Sir Malcolm and Donald. Between them they brought to Britain over 20 world land and water speed records. Donald Campbell is still the only person to have broken both the world land and world water speed records in the same year, 1964.
Malcolm Campbell in Bluebird

 

The first Bluebird was launched by Malcolm Campbell in the early 20s after the racing star had been so enamoured by a performance of Maurice Maeterlinck's Play "The Bluebird". Since then, all of the Campbell family land and water speed record attempts and achievements have been made in Bluebirds.

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