THE RECORD BREAKERS - CAMPBELLS' - GREAT BUY! - 1969

This is a hard to find publication and a great opportunity to pick up a cheap copy.

Sir Malcolm and Donald Campbell Land and Water Speed Kings of the 20th Century.

This book is the thrilling account of fifty years of record breaking written by the man who was always there - Leo Villa, mechanic to the Campbells.

Starting in the 20s, when the fever of speed infected Europe, America, South Africa and Australia, the author describes the drivers and the machines that continually vied with each other in yearly record attempts.  Machines, which today have a distinctly period flavour about them, such as the 400 hp chain-driven Higham Special Babs of Parry Thomas, Ernest Eldridge's 300 hp Fiat, or Gaye Don's massive 2,000hp Silver Bullet.

Simultaneously Malcolm Campbell was establishing the authority of his Bluebird cars.  Starting with the 350hp, 135 mph Sunbeam of 1922, their development, not always successful, continued over forty years until the day in 1964 when Donald's turbine-driven 5,000 hp Bluebird reached an unbelievable 403.10 mph.

Special attempts on water followed a similar pattern, although interest started later - in the 30s - and there were fewer contenders for the honours.  The danger was greater, too.  Sir Malcolm's 2,500 hp, 129.5 mph single-step hydroplane of 1937 eventually evolved into the jet powered craft in which his son Donald met sudden death before the eyes of the world when trying to exceed 300 mph.

The electric atmosphere in which these men lived and risked their lives is truly brought to life and makes compulsive reading.  The book is illustrated with over seventy photographs and drawings, many of which are taken from the author's private collection and published here for the first time.

This large 160 page hardcover has creases, edgewear and splits to dustjacket (including a 9cm split to back cover) and there are two areas where there are pieces missing.  Internally there is a little browning to page edges due to age, but it is otherwise in a  good, tight, clean condition. 

Postage quoted is for within Australia only and as this is a large, heavy book overseas customers should email me for a postage quote before bidding. Local pick up is not available.

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