The Longines timing-team with the Longines Chronocinégines, Lake Eyre (Australia), 1963.
1885-1948
1921-1967
In the 1920s and 1930s, Malcolm Campbell beat 13 land speed records (LSR) and water speed records (WSR). In the 1950s and 1960s, his son, Donald, would go on to set a further 9. These were the highlights of a family saga whose protagonists made countless attempts to reach even faster speeds. Some were unsuccessful, some brought glory and some were outright dangerous. These land and water record attempts were all made in futuristic and high-design vehicles. They were known as the Bluebirds, a tradition started when Malcolm named his first vehicle after seeing a play with the same name in 1910.
There were Bluebird cars and Bluebird boats, many different vehicles and versions constantly seeking improved aero- and hydrodynamism as well as more effective propulsion. The vehicles were designed to showcase the very best of British technical skills.
Longines accompanied the Campbells on their adventures. Firstly with Malcolm, notably when he measured his 1937 water speed record – 128.7 mph (207.2 km/h) – with a Longines chronograph on Lake Maggiore. And then equally with his son Donald’s countless speed attempts in Great Britain, the United States and Australia.
Longines accompanied the Campbells on their adventures. Firstly with Malcolm, notably when he measured his 1937 water speed record – 128.7 mph (207.2 km/h) – with a Longines chronograph on Lake Maggiore. And then equally with his son Donald’s countless speed attempts in Great Britain, the United States and Australia.
Donald Campbell with Bluebird CN7 in 1964, setting the world land speed record on Lake Eyre (Australia), of 403.1 mph (648.7 km/h), timed by Longines.
Donald Campbell.
1885
Malcolm was born in Chislehurst, southeast London (England).
1910
Malcolm began racing cars at Brooklands (England).
1921
Malcolm had a son: Donald.
1924
First land speed record of 146 mph (235 km/h) for Malcolm; another 12 world records on land and on water would follow.
1935
First person to drive a car over 300 mph (483 km/h).
1948
After the death of Malcolm, his son Donald decided to follow his father's footsteps. He set 8 speed records on land and on water.
Sir Malcolm Campbell.
Graceful Bluebird, Coniston Water (England), December 1966.