Record-breaking speed machine joins Campbell Exhibition

Just ahead of the 80th anniversary of Sir Malcolm Campbell smashing the 300mph land speed record (3 September 2015), the racing sensation’s grandson has loaned his own record-breaking electric car to the Lakeland Motor Museum.

Don Wales has carried on the family tradition of record-breaking, concentrating initially on the electric speed record. Now his specially developed electric car, ‘Bluebird Electric 1’ has taken pride of place in the Lakeland Motor Museum’s dedicated Campbell ‘Speed Kings’ Exhibition, alongside a replica of the original 1935 Bluebird Car.

Bluebird Electric broke the British electric record for the first time at Elvington runway in May 1997, at a speed of 116mph.

After further developments and improvements, the striking speed machine raised the record to 137mph in August 2000, reaching a maximum speed of 160mph – a record which stood for 12 years.

As well as the 1935 Bluebird Car, the striking new speed machine adds to a collection which includes replicas of Malcolm Campbell’s 1939 boat Bluebird K4 and his son Donald Campbell’s legendary 1967 Jet Hydroplane Bluebird K7. The Museum is even home to Donald’s 1937 Bentley.

Chris Lowe, Manager of the Lakeland Motor Museum, says, “The Campbell exhibition is steeped in history and it’s great to see the legacy of Malcolm and Donald Campbell brought to life through the continuing achievements of this record-breaking family. This autumn marks 80 years since Sir Malcolm became the first person to drive a vehicle at more than 300mph, so it’s a fitting time for his grandson’s Bluebird Electric to join the exhibition and bring another new dimension to a special collection which some celebrates some legendary feats of speed.”