We’ve all been guilty of the odd heavy foot on the accelerator, but spare a thought for Sir Malcolm Campbell, who, in 1924, pointed his car at the Welsh coastline and became the first human being to hit 150mph. On sand. In a suit. With no seatbelt. And so was born one of Britain’s most blistering dynasties — and a love affair with speed that would span generations, spark engineering marvels, and occasionally leave everyone else in the dust.
This July, Bluebird Chelsea — that effortlessly stylish hub on the King’s Road, once home to the very motor company that inspired Campbell’s madcap mission — is throwing open its doors for a rather special celebration. The Bluebird Legacy: A Century of Speed takes place on Tuesday 16th July, and promises to be an evening of high-octane glamour, storytelling, and a healthy dash of British bravado.
In partnership with the National Motor Museum and The Campbell Family Heritage Trust, the event marks 100 years since Campbell’s triumphant tear across Pendine Sands in the 350HP Sunbeam ‘Blue Bird’ — a car so powerful and loud, one imagines the local seagulls still haven’t quite recovered.
What’s on the menu (besides the food)? A Champagne reception, naturally, followed by a three-course dinner befitting the occasion. For those whose inner child still dreams of jet-powered contraptions and Bonneville glory, the evening offers something truly extraordinary: the original 350HP Sunbeam Blue Bird, parked proudly on the Bluebird forecourt for one night only. Bring your camera. And your awe.
Adding horsepower to the nostalgia will be Don Wales, grandson of Sir Malcolm and record-breaker in his own right, who’ll be sharing tales of family lunacy — sorry, legacy — and what it’s like to carry the Campbell torch (preferably without setting fire to one’s eyebrows in the process).
And if that weren’t enough to rev your metaphorical engine, there’s a silent auction courtesy of the National Motor Museum, with proceeds supporting the preservation of Britain’s motoring heritage. Because even speed needs curators.
What makes this all the more special is the venue itself. Bluebird Chelsea isn’t just playing host; it’s part of the story. Originally built in 1923 as the Bluebird Motor Company, the very building helped launch Campbell’s record-breaking career. Today, it serves oysters and cocktails instead of crankshafts — but the bones of innovation still hum beneath the parquet.
In honour of the centenary, the restaurant is also reverting to its original logo — a sleek nod to the past in a city always racing toward the future. Martin Williams, CEO of The Evolv Collection, puts it best: “This evening celebrates the best of British — where great food meets the nation’s engineering talent.” Or, to put it another way: roast lamb and rocket fuel.
Tickets are £150 per person — a steal, frankly, for an evening that offers Champagne, a front-row seat to history, and a good excuse to pretend you’ve got oil in your veins and speed in your soul.
Gentlemen, start your engines. And don’t forget your cufflinks.
To secure your spot at The Bluebird Legacy: A Century of Speed, please visit shop.evolvcollection.com.
