Donald Campbell's Bluebird hydroplane is currently at the centre of a legal dispute worth nearly £150,000. Paul Kinghan is seeking £147,162 from the Ruskin Museum in Coniston, which houses the vessel.
Mr Kinghan claims this figure represents the value of items and cash he provided to the museum in recent years that have not been repaid. However, museum director Tracey Hodgson stated that everything Mr Kinghan provided was given as donations.
Mr Kinghan's claim, issued through a statutory demand, focuses on three engines he bought for the museum for its plans to run Bluebird earlier this year. Two of these engines were later sold, with Mr Kinghan giving the proceeds to the museum, which still owns the third engine.
Mr Kinghan said the engines, along with other items and services, were supplied with the understanding that those running the museum were the "right people to be the trustees of the boat." He now seeks his money back, stating he feels "deceived and let down."
Ms Hodgson countered, stating, "You cannot just donate something and then ask for it back. That's the whole point of a donation." She added that the museum possesses documentation for all items provided by Mr Kinghan, and these forms do not include any stipulations for the items and services.
The museum has passed Mr Kinghan's claim to its legal representatives. It is reportedly up to Mr Kinghan whether to pursue the matter further in court.