1928: Napier Campbell driven by Sir Malcolm Campbell

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Napier Campbell (Bluebird)

1928
Country:
United Kingdom
Engine:
V12 Napier Lion Aero
Capacity:
23,948 cc
Power:
900 bhp (approx)
Weight:
2,640 kg
Top Speed:

206.96 mph

Napier Campbell

When Malcolm Campbell lost the record to Segrave's Sunbeam, he embarked on a modification program to help elicit every last ounce of speed from the Bluebird, hoping to take the title back from his main rival.

As things would turn out, this would be the first of many changes made to the Bluebird, the speed gradually increasing with each successive year.

For this, the first of the transformations, Campbell retained the original chassis designed by Joseph Mania, re-fitting it with a new wind-cheating body designed during wind tunnel testing to determine the best shape.

He scrapped the normally-positioned front radiator and substituted two surface-type coolers, set one on either side in the cars tail section.

This modification made it possible to improve the front shape of the car, and at the same time enclose the chassis (excluding the wheels).

Also integral to the design was the incorporation of an extended tail-fin, designed to help the Bluebird hold a straight course.

The old Napier Lion engine was taken out and a racing Lion engine of 23,948cc substituted.

The Lion 12 cylinder beast blessed the "revised" Bluebird with a staggering 900 horse-power, somewhat overshadowing the 500 on offer from the engine it replaced.

Also See:


Land Speed Record Drivers
Herbert Austin LSR Attempt
History Of The Land Speed Record
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