Overview

Since the early 1920s, the name Bluebird has been synonymous with world speed record breaking on land and water. Driven first by Sir Malcolm Campbell, then his son Donald, and latterly by Donald's nephew Donald Wales in electric powered vehicles, they have consistently pushed records ever higher. This book is the story of the design and construction of the fastest of the Bluebirds, the Campbell-Norris 7 (CN7). This car, now resident in the National Motor Museum at England, is the most sophisticated design ever produced for a wheel-driven record breaker. Using methods and materials developed for the aircraft industry, the CN7, given suitable running conditions, was capable in 1960 of a speed exceeding that produced by the present wheel-driven record holder 19 years later. The author was first employed by the designers, Norris Brothers Ltd, as a design draughtsman on the Bluebird K7 hydroplane. After completing his National Service in the RAF, he rejoined the company to work with the two chief designers developing the specification for CN7, and he later became project coordinator for its construction.

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9781845842802

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Reviews

This book is excellent for both technical and not so technical readers. This is a book to savour and revisit time after time. Donald Stevens waited a long time to write this book. We should be grateful he let us into his world. - Fast Facts There are plenty of technical details and illustrations in this book to keep the mechanically minded engrossed, but the background to the personalities involved, the fascinating contributions of the various specialist suppliers and the nail-biting will-they/won't-they excitement make this a highly recommended read to anybody with an interest in cars, record breaking or British engineering and endeavour at its finest. - MG Enthusiast Highly recommended, particularly to engineering readers. - Speedscene A well-written and fascinating book that's packed with interesting photographs, drawings and other information. It's an absolute 'must' for anyone with an interest in the 'Bluebird Era.' - Teme Valley Times

Author Information

Donald Stevens was born in the East End of London, but grew up in Haywards Heath, the Sussex market town to which he was evacuated in 1939. In his early teenage years he became fascinated by aeroplanes and other machines, and on leaving school began training as a mechanical engineer. At 19, he joined the newly-formed design consultancy Norris Brothers Ltd as its first employee, and became a member of the design team for Donald Campbell's Bluebird hydroplane. Following National Service in the RAF, he became project co-ordinator for the design and construction of the 'Bluebird' car. This is his first book.

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