Donald Campbell E-Type

[theoldwizard]

RE GLM 37C This car first registered 27/09/1965 was as already noted sold out of the Campbell family very shortly after his death and has stayed in Surrey all this time . It was returned to the road a few weeks ago after a long restoration . Keep your eyes open !!!

[pmansson]

and what colour is it (the blue FHC) ??
Cotswold blue which is very rare on the E-type....?

[theoldwizard]

Just to confirm the colour is Opalescent Silver Blue as original. The car has been resprayed following panel work and the engine rebuilt but not the gearbox .
Most of the original trim and seating is original . The car was factory with fitted with steering lock and has a non standard wooden gearknob ( a Campbell fitment ) , under the bonnet it was fitted with ribbed cam covers by Jaguar during a factory visit.
The mileage is 61517 and I can confirm the car is GLM 37C I will see if pics can be taken and posted

[Geoff Holden]

Noting that GLM 37C remains in Surrey, was it present at a 50 years event at Sandown Park racecourse on Saturday 3rd September? I was busy on a trade stand on the day and didn't get a chance to look around. With a lifelong interest in speed records and the exploits of the Campbell family in particular, I'd hate to have missed the opportunity to see it.

[steve3.8]

History channel are showing a new programme titled --Bluebird-The curse of Campbell at 4pm today then repeated on 11th sept at 5pm,ive already watched it and it contains previously unseen film,good viewing for anyone interested in speed records and Campbell.It also shows Donald driving GLM 37C to pier cottage on Coniston clearly painted in OSB


Steve

[theoldwizard]

Re GLM 37C ,
The E Type was having a new brake servo diaphram fitted on Saturday ,so sadly was not on the road that day . But you should be able to see at Goodwood in a couple of weeks . Keep your eyes open

[steve3.8]

I recently purchased a new book ! Bluebird and the final record attempt! and in the process Neil Sheppard the author sent me this picture of Donalds E Type.



http://bluebirdk7.com/k7shop/ is the link to the excellent book ,which a good part of the profit will support the Ruskin Museum wing which will house Bluebird.

[Heuer]

Fantastic photo!

[mystery type]

Lovely painting of Campbell `s car, by Alistair Little. (looks better full size) . ..go on you "old wizard", you know you want one.
details and price here....

. http://www.panterandhall.com/Gallery.as ... able=false

[steve3.8]

I agree it probably is a nice painting,but factually wrong -and it is a big but ,the E-type was'nt available in 1960 when Donald went to Utah.His E Type was a 1965 4.2.

A bit of trivia---Donalds land speed record car CN7 taken to Utah was built at Motor Panels Ltd ,Coventry .

Steve

[steve3.8]

There's a programme about DC tonight BBC2 8pm , e type footage included hopefully .

[Simon P]

Taken at Campbell's Surrey home in 1966. His blue E-Type alongside a mock up of a jet powered car:

Thought so. When this picture was used in the documentary the other night, I couldn't help but notice evidence of a small 'ding' on the E-type's nose behind the headlight.

[vikla]

I saw the documentary.
I noticed on DC's Wikipedia entry there is basically the same picture except with a Mini instead of the E-type


Does anyone know where his house was where the picture was taken?
I was brought up in Horley, Surrey and remember going for a long bike ride one day and passing a house with the Bluebird boat parked in the drive. I was amazed at the time because all young boys would have recognised it as he was such a famous person then and I probably hada Bluebird Dinky toy. I had no idea that he lived nearby but now can't remember where the house was.

[steve3.8]

Steve,

The photo i think was at Roundwood Hall ,horley , before that he had a farm at Betchworth , his last house was Priors Ford ,Leatherhead .

[steve3.8]

Bluebird is up and running again , full credit to the team of volunteers that have restored her .

[1954Etype]

I think its a shame that it was restored. I would have preferred for the team to have built a complete replica - what we have now is a boat that is made up of a huge number of new panels and parts. But, if that is what the Campbell family wanted to do then so be it.

[BRM]

I agree. I'm not sure I would have even wanted it salvaged. I think I would have left it on the bottom undisturbed. To display the wreckage as it was would have been a bit gruesome but what have they got now - back to the old argument of when does a restoration become a replica. But, as Angus says, their choice.

I'm not sure either whether I'd want to hurtle down the loch sitting in that cockpit - must have been a spooky feeling !

[Heuer]

Pot, kettle, black comes to mind

[steve3.8]

The Campbell family did not want it disturbed initially , but after Bluebird's precise location had been found they were advised it would only be a matter of time before other sports divers etc would remove items for trophies/memorabilia ,...... so it would no longer be a peaceful resting place .

I don't know the exact percentage of replaced panels ,but having followed the project for several years they have gone to painstaking lengths to repair not replace anything where possible .

http://www.bluebirdproject.com/

[PeterCrespin]

Is it a boat? Is it a plane?

A bit of both I suppose! C

Very good point about divers and souvenir hunters. I assume Donald’s body was recovered, so am not sure how come Bluebird’s location was unknown?

He had good taste in sports cars. Wonder if Lyons agreed a discount?