The original Bluebird speedboat

The original Bluebird speedboat to feature in speed show at Elvington.

Sir Malcom Campbell gained the world speed record on land and on water at various times, using vehicles called Bluebird, including a 1921 Grand Prix Sunbeam. His son, Donald Campbell, carried on the family legacy by holding both land speed and water speed records.

Donald Campbell began his record-breaking career in 1949 following the death of his father, Sir Malcolm Campbell (pictuted above). Initially, he had been using his father's 1939-built Rolls-Royce 'R' type powered propeller-driven hydroplane Bluebird K4 for his attempts, but he met with little success and suffered several frustrating setbacks.

In 1951, the K4, which had been modified to a prop-rider configuration to increase its performance potential, was destroyed after suffering a structural failure, when its V-drive gearbox sheared its mountings which were punched through the floor of the hull.

This lead creation of the Bluebird K7… The K7 is a jet engined hydroplane which Britain's Donald Campbell set seven world water speed records between 1955 and 1967. The K7 was the first successful jet-powered hydroplane, and was considered revolutionary when launched in January 1955. Donald carried on his fathers theme and painted the K7 blue and continued to call it the Bluebird.

The Bluebird K7, was a legendary hydroplane speedboat, but in his quest to break his own record Donald Campbell was killed while bidding for his eighth water speed record on Coniston Water in 1967.

Where we got our Bluebird Care name

The Bluebird name is in honour of Sir Malcolm Campbell and his array of record breaking vehicles - all of which he painted blue and named Bluebird. Sir Malcolm Campbell broke the world speed record on land and water at varying times throughout the 1920s and 30s. He was faced with many challenges, but his drive and determination didn’t stop him achieving his goals. He was known throughout the world as being passionate about being the 'best’ and this is a value we carry through to Bluebird Care today. After Sir Malcolm’s death his son carried on his legacy and strived for the same levels of determination as his father did, he was often referred to as the best after his proven track record of breaking the water speed record 7 times.

At Bluebird Care York we always want to be the best and provide the very best care at home in York. Everything we do centres on supporting our customers to remain independent in their own home. Our care at home in York is tailored to our customers needs. We offer a bespoke service to each of our customers own requirements. Our customers are supported by our kind, professional and compassionate Care Assistants.

Bluebird K7 is coming to York

The Bluebird K7 has been fully restored boat will be featuring - on its trailer - at the Straightliners Speed show at Elvington Airfield next weekend. The event will also feature drag racing demo runs, a flame and thunder show - and a huge range of vehicles on display.

The event runs on February 25^th  and 26^th from 9.30am to 5.30pm. Tickets are £10 for adults and children go free.

Find out more at www.straightliners.events/