Celebrating Sir Malcolm and Donald Campbell’s Record-breaking Achievements
Bluebird Chelsea, the renowned iconic restaurant, bar and café with deep roots in British motoring history, is proud to partner with the National Motor Museum and The Campbell Family Heritage Trust for a landmark celebration honouring one of the most legendary names in motorsport.
On Wednesday 16 July from 6pm, guests are invited to an unforgettable evening commemorating the centenary of Sir Malcolm Campbell’s groundbreaking 150mph land speed record, achieved in 1925 at Pendine Sands behind the wheel of the mighty 350HP Sunbeam ‘Blue Bird’. This historic feat not only marked the beginning of Britain’s illustrious land speed record heritage but also laid the foundation for the legendary Blue Bird dynasty — a legacy carried forward by his son, Donald Campbell CBE.
Sir Malcolm Campbell, MBE (1885–1948), etched his name into the record books as the first person to exceed 150mph in a car and went on to set numerous world speed records on both land and water, earning his place as one of Britain’s true Speed Kings. His son, Donald Campbell, CBE (1921–1967), fearlessly continued that legacy, setting eight absolute world speed records and achieving a feat that remains unmatched to this day: breaking both the land and water speed records in the same year (1964). Together, the Campbells epitomised British motorsport’s spirit of fearless innovation and unrelenting pursuit of speed.
The evening will feature:
A Champagne reception followed by a three-course dinner
A rare opportunity to see the original 350HP Sunbeam Blue Bird on display
A talk by Don Wales, record breaker and grandson of Sir Malcolm Campbell
A silent auction hosted by the National Motor Museum
Tickets are priced at £150 per person. Proceeds from the auction will support the work of the National Motor Museum Trust.
Bluebird Chelsea was originally built in 1923 as the Bluebird Motor Company, famed for creating the car that inspired Campbell’s record-breaking career. A century later, this venue remains a fitting location to celebrate a remarkable family legacy of speed, innovation and determination.
Lord Montagu of Beaulieu commented: "Marking the centenary of the first car to exceed 150mph gives us an opportunity to spotlight one of the most historic cars in the National Motor Museum’s collection. What’s more, the 350hp Sunbeam is a classic piece of mid-1920s automotive design, which will look stunning at the Bluebird Restaurant.”
“I’m thrilled Don Wales will be joining us. He embodies the Campbell spirit and brings unique insight through both his family history and personal experience behind the wheel.”
In a nod to its rich history, Bluebird Chelsea has also returned to its original logo, celebrating its heritage with fond nostalgia. Martin Williams, CEO of The Evolv Collection adds “The Evolv Collection is committed to celebrating the rich heritage of our venues, especially the history of the Bluebird building and the incredible machines the Motor Company created all those years ago. It’s an honour to collaborate with the National Motor Museum to bring the iconic 350hp Sunbeam back to the forecourt for one day only. As a tribute to the building’s legacy, we have also reverted to the brand’s original logo. The evening will be a celebration of the best of British - where great food meets the nation’s engineering talent”.
This partnership celebrates the pursuit of excellence and adventure — offering both car enthusiasts and diners the rare opportunity to experience a true piece of British automotive history.
To book at table for The Bluebird Legacy: A Century Of Speed: Click here
*For tables of 10, bookings will need to be made by emailing RachelE@evolvcollection.com
The event marks the start of centenary celebrations for Sunbeam 350hp, which can usually be seen on show in the National Motor Museum as part of a visit to Beaulieu
