The hydroplane, which was once piloted by the legendary Sir Malcolm Campbell, has returned to Coniston Water after a decade-long restoration project. The Bluebird, as it is affectionately known, was the first British-built hydroplane to break the 200mph barrier and hold the world water speed record. Its return to the lake marks a significant milestone in its history, one that has been marked by both triumph and tragedy.
Sir Malcolm Campbell's son, Donald Campbell, tragically lost his life in 1967 while attempting to break the world water speed record in the same hydroplane on Coniston Water. The incident led to a decline in the hydroplane's fortunes, but a dedicated team of enthusiasts has worked tirelessly to restore the Bluebird to its former glory.
The restoration project, which has cost an estimated £1.5 million, has involved a team of skilled craftsmen and engineers who have meticulously restored the hydroplane to its original specifications. The aircraft's wooden hull has been carefully repaired and refurbished, while its engines have been rebuilt to their original performance standards.
The Bluebird's return to Coniston Water has been met with widespread excitement and interest, with many enthusiasts and historians turning out to see the hydroplane in its new home. While the aircraft is not expected to be put back into service, its return to the lake serves as a poignant reminder of Sir Malcolm Campbell's pioneering achievements and the enduring legacy of the Bluebird.