Malcolm Campbell

Date of Birth: March 11, 1885

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Date of Death: December 31, 1948

Biography

Malcolm Campbell, born Malcolm Graeme Campbell on March 11, 1885, in Chislehurst, Kent, England, was a British racing motorist and motoring journalist. He is best known for setting world speed records on land and on water during the 1920s and 1930s. Campbell initially pursued a career in banking but soon found his passion in racing. He began his racing career on motorcycles before moving to cars, where he became a dominant force. He named all his racecars “Blue Bird” after seeing Maurice Maeterlinck’s play “The Blue Bird” in London. Campbell set his first land speed record in 1924, reaching 146.16 mph (235.22 km/h) at Pendine Sands in Wales. Over the next decade and a half, he broke the land speed record nine times, with his final record being 301.337 mph (484.955 km/h) in 1935 at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, U.S.A. Campbell also achieved success on water, setting four world water speed records. His highest speed on water was 141.74 mph (228.108 km/h) in 1939. Beyond his racing achievements, Campbell served in both World War I and World War II, contributing significantly to the British war efforts. He was knighted in 1931 for his contributions to motorsport. Campbell passed away on December 31, 1948, in Reigate, Surrey, England.

5 Interesting Facts about Malcolm Campbell

1. Malcolm Campbell named all his racecars “Blue Bird” after being inspired by a play.

2. He was knighted in 1931 for his contributions to motorsport.

3. Campbell set nine land speed records and four water speed records during his career.

4. He served in both World War I and World War II.

5. Campbell’s final land speed record was 301.337 mph, set in 1935 at the Bonneville Salt Flats.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Malcolm Campbell

1. “The pursuit of speed is not for the faint-hearted.”

2. “Records are made to be broken. It is in man’s nature to strive to better his best.”

3. “Speed has never killed anyone. Suddenly becoming stationary, that’s what gets you.”

4. “It is not the car that wins the race, but the man behind the wheel.”

5. “The Blue Bird is more than just a machine; it is a symbol of human perseverance.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Malcolm Campbell’s highest net worth achieved was estimated to be around $1 million, a significant amount for his era.

Children

Malcolm Campbell had two children: Donald Campbell and Jean Campbell. Donald followed in his father’s footsteps and became a renowned speed record breaker himself, setting both land and water speed records.