After an active role in the Air Force, it was natural for Malcolm (Captain) Campbell to look around for something with a big engine to drive as a means to escape the humdrum of everyday life. Campbell soon became competitive and entered the land speed record arena quite cheaply, with the purchase of a Sunbeam, with which he set his first world record.  He went on to raise the LSR to 300mph in America and also set a water speed record, before passing away in his bed after a long illness.

The young Donald Campbell took up the reins, having inherited the K4 boat, and was soon captured by the sport, with an eye on the (then) prize money for breaking the water speed record.  Together with the Norris brothers, Donald built the K7 Bluebird, which earned him quite a reputation and lot a little prize money.  This led to the CN7 jet car, a high speed car crash and a land speed record.  Finally, caught up in circumstances that demanded he perform for potential backers and for them, the media, Donald somersaulted his K7 boat and was killed instantly.

Donald (Don) Charles Wales

Donald's daughter, Gina, was also drawn to fast boats (and according to her book, the men who drove them).  She set a women's world water speed record, but before doing so, also had a brush with death, in that she too somersaulted her speed boat, but fortunately survived the accident.

Donald Campbell's sister, Jean Wales, was blessed with a son, Donald Wales, known to all as Don Wales.  Don Wales was introduced to the land speed record arena by Nelson Kruschandl, who offered him a drive in his Bluebird Electric car in 1991.  The two men met at the Bexhill 100 motoring event sponsored by Hasting Direct, among others.  At this event Nelson was showing his Borzoi joystick controlled sports car, which was causing quite a stir.  Nelson had also helped restore the Bluebird K3 boat, to include works on the hearty V12 engine.

So it was that the 'Bluebird Electric' era began............

A - Z DIRECTORY of MOTOR MANUFACTURERS

UK VEHICLE INSURANCE ONLINE A - Z

No matter what car, van or bike you drive, we're all looking for great value and quality in our UK motor insurance?  But who is the best - who is the cheapest and who offers the great service in the event of a claim?

See the insurance companies below who claim to offer competitive cover at sensible prices, our guide to the jargon and tips for cutting your quote - Good Luck:-

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