The Blue Bird Rises
It has been 50 years since the howl of the Blue Bird has been heard and now after 2,000 man hours of rebuilding and restoring, the world land speed record-breaker’s 17.6 litre V12 engine can roar proudly once again. At 350hp on September 25th 1924, Sir Malcolm Campbell attacked the Pendine Flats, Wales, at 146.16 mph! Returning just one year later, setting a new record of 150.76mph.
In 1962 at the British Automobile Racing Club Festival of Motoring at Goodwood, the Blue Bird flew its last ever laps before being stored. In 1994, an attempt was made to resurrect the car, but due to a blocked oil-way, the engine seized and caused so much damage it blew the engine, rendering it completely immobile. Then, in 2007 a team from the Montagu Motor Museum decided it was time to get to work on bringing the Blue Bird. Back to life seven years later and the Blue Bird is alive once again, this time with a much fresher look and a crowd to go along! Take a look at the video below to see the car starting for the first time in 20 years:
Tags: Blue Bird, classic car, It's Classic Car Insurance, Montagu Motor Museum, Pendine Flats, Sir Malcolm Campbell, V12, Wales
