Campbell's Bluebird Fires Up on Coniston Water After 60 Years as 150mph Anniversary Runs Begin
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · May 11
Campbell's Bluebird Fires Up on Coniston Water After 60 Years as 150mph Anniversary Runs Begin
11 articles · Updated · BBC.com · May 11
At 14:15 BST, Donald Campbell's restored Bluebird K7 returned to Coniston Water and its jet engine was fired about 90 minutes later—the craft's first lake run-up since his fatal 1967 crash.
The week-long event marks nearly 70 years since Campbell set his first Coniston record in 1956, with safety checks preceding planned demonstration runs of up to 150mph.
Ruskin Museum regained control of K7 two years ago after a long ownership fight with rebuilder Bill Smith, whose 2023 legal dispute ended with him dropping his claim and paying £25,000 in costs.
Bluebird's revival follows recent work by a new engineering team, including a replacement engine and electrical and hydraulic checks, despite Smith's claims the craft had been damaged.
Campbell set seven water speed records in Bluebird and remains the only person to claim land and water speed records in the same year—1964.
After its historic return to the water, should the legendary Bluebird K7 ever be run again?
Two generations of Campbell Bluebirds are running together. What does this reunion truly signify for the family's legacy?