'Legendary' Bluebird K7 to visit National Motor Museum

The hydroplane, piloted by Donald Campbell in his record-breaking water speed attempts, will be displayed outside the museum.

This will be 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.

A number of records were set in the hydroplane (Image: Geoff Hallawell c/o Don Wales Photography)

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 the home to vehicles driven by the Cambell family, including the 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.

The hydroplane was submerged in Coniston Water for more than three decades (Image: Geoff Hallawell c/o Don Wales Photography)

After lying submerged in Coniston Water for more than 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.

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."

Bluebird K7 will be on display from 10am until 2.30pm on Sunday, October 6, outside of the National Motor Museum and is included in the standard Beaulieu admission ticket.

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."