Bluebird to officially launch DC50 Sports Car and Bluebird GTL Formula E at Sustainable MotoExpo on Saturday 28 September 2013, National Motor Museum, Beaulieu.
One of the largest and most varied sustainable and eco-friendly motoring events take places at the internationally renowned National Motor Museum, Beaulieu this year and will be the occasion for the world exclusive unveiling of two new Bluebird cars. The Bluebird name is synonymous with cutting-edge technology and record-breaking, a tradition continued by Don Wales, grandson of Sir Malcolm Campbell and nephew of Donald Campbell.
At the Sustainable MotoExpo, Wales will launch his Bluebird DC50 electric sports car – a limited edition of just 50 Bluebird electric sports cars built to commemorate the 50th anniversary in 2014 of Donald Campbell’s land and water speed records. With peak power of up to 360bhp and acceleration to match a Porsche, the Bluebird DC50 is a two-door coupe with electrically operated ‘scissor’ doors. It has a range of up to 200 miles, depending on specification, and will be available in one body colour only – Bluebird blue.
Also to be launched simultaneously at the event will be the Bluebird GTL electric race car. The car has been designed to the latest technical regulations for the forthcoming FIA Formula E series and is Bluebird’s ‘vision’ for the all-electric global race series due to start in 2014.
Wales says: ” The Campbell family and Bluebird have had a long association with the National Motor Museum Beaulieu. The museum is home to a wonderful historic land speed display celebrating the achievements of Sir Malcolm Campbell and Donald Campbell. It seems only fitting that we will be launching both the Bluebird DC50 electric sportscar and Bluebird GTL electric race car at Beaulieu”
The National Motor Museum’s collection of record breaking cars currently includes the 350hp Sunbeam Malcolm Campbell bought and renamed Bluebird to break the 150mph barrier in 1925. There is also Major Henry Segrave’s 1,000hp Sunbeam of 1927 and his Golden Arrow of 1929. Pride of place goes to Bluebird, the car in which Donald Campbell set a World Land Speed Record of 403.10mph/648.73kph on 17 July 1964.
Wales will also participate in a land speed debate on Saturday 28th September at 4.00pm, entitled: Discover the quest for speed and man’s desire to be the fastest person on land.
Awarded Gold in the Large Attraction category by VisitEngland in the 2013 Awards for Excellence, the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu houses more than 250 automobiles and motorcycles telling the story of motoring on the roads of Britain from the dawn of motoring to the present day. Lord Montagu of Beaulieu, who first started the museum in 1952, says: “The National Motor Museum is proud of its association with record breaking cars and they always attract a lot of attention because it is very rare that members of the public can get up close to them.”
Organised by Eco-Motorsport Ltd, the two-day event will feature a 600m circuit with live electric vehicle (EV) demonstrations. There will be displays of the latest electric and hybrid cycles, cars and motorbikes and an exhibition of companies foremost in the sustainable vehicle industry. In addition, there will be a full programme of seminars and debates about all aspects of e-motor sport and of the development of low carbon and EVs as city transport.
Sustainable MotoExpo 2013 will build on the success of last year’s event held on Cheltenham promenade, which attracted more than 10,500 visitors and was attended by The Rt Hon Dr Vince Cable MP, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills and by Robert Llewellyn of Red Dwarf TV series fame and presenter of the Fully Charged online show.
Over the two days there will be a full programme of seminars and debates in the 200-seat, fully-equipped auditorium, atrium and breakout rooms to which leading authorities in future motor sport design, media, manufactures and industry have been invited. The two days will include various debates with competing teams from a number of universities, members of the public and high profile industry guests arguing the motion: “This House believes that the electric powerchain lies at the heart of future global motorsport”.
Seminar topics include: 24-hour Endurance Racing, The FIA’s Formula E Electric High Performance Race Series, Land Speed Record Breaking, The Car and the City, and UK Motor Sport in 2013 and Beyond.
Entry includes access into all of the Sustainable MotoExpo talks and seminars running over the weekend, plus entry to the National Motor Museum including the Bond in Motion exhibition, Palace House and Gardens, Beaulieu Abbey and World of Top Gear.
