The legendary Bluebird K7, driven by Donald Campbell in his record-breaking water speed attempts, will be heading South from the Ruskin Museum on Sunday 6 October, and will be on display outside the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu.

Image: Geoff Hallawell c/o Don Wales Photography.

This occasion will mark the first time the fully restored K7 will be displayed at Beaulieu, offering motorsport enthusiasts and history lovers the chance to see one of the most iconic watercraft in British history. Built in the 1950s, the hydroplane was piloted by Donald Campbell as he set seven world water speed records between 1955 and 1964. The craft represents not only a triumph in mechanical innovation but also the enduring legacy of the Campbell family’s pursuit of speed, a legacy that has since inspired generations of engineers and adventurers.

The National Motor Museum is renowned for being the home to vehicles driven by the Cambell family, including the iconic 1920 350hp Sunbeam, Blue Bird, in which Captain Malcolm Cambell set his records at Pendine Sands in 1924 and 1925, and the Bluebird CN7 a 4100bhp jet-powered vehicle in which Donald Campbell exceeded 400mph at Lake Eyre, Australia in 1964. To welcome Bluebird K7 to Beaulieu will be a rare opportunity for enthusiasts to see these three record-breakers in one location.

Donald Campbell tragically lost his life in Bluebird K7 in 1967 while attempting to break his previous record. After lying submerged in Coniston Water for over three decades, K7 was recovered in 2001 and painstakingly restored to its former glory. It is now on display in the Bluebird Wing of the Ruskin Museum, at Coniston in the Lake District.

Image: Geoff Hallawell c/o Don Wales Photography.

Tracy Hodgson, Director of the Ruskin Museum, said: “2024 is the 60th anniversary of Donald Campbell CBE achieving “The Double” in which he broke the land and water speed records in the same year. We are delighted to be able to collaborate with the National Motor Museum in showing Bluebird K7 along with Bluebird CN7 to celebrate this record, a record which to this day is still undefeated.”

Dr Jon Murden, Chief Executive of the National Motor Museum, said: “We are delighted to have this rare opportunity to display the iconic Bluebird K7 here at Beaulieu and look forward to welcoming the team from the Ruskin Museum, and seeing this iconic vehicle up close.”

Bluebird K7 will be on display from 10am until 2.30pm outside of the National Motor Museum on Sunday 6th October, and is included in the standard Beaulieu admission ticket. A visit to Beaulieu includes the National Motor Museum, the World of Top Gear, the ancestral Montagu home Palace House and its grounds and gardens, 13th century Beaulieu Abbey, the Secret Army Exhibition and adventure play area Little Beaulieu. For more information, visit www.beaulieu.co.uk.

The boat will be accompanied by Tracy Hodgson Director of the Ruskin Museum and Don Wales, Sir Malcolm Campbell’s Grandson representing the Campbell Family Heritage Trust. Both organisations will have some unique Bluebird items for sale on the day.

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