Bluebird Electric Team Fail To Break UK Electric Vehicle Land Speed Record

While the UK and other countries ponder on the long term relevance and efficiency of electric vehicles and the effective distance that can be achieved on one full battery charge, Don Wales and his son, Joe, attempted to break the UK land speed record of 137mph for powering an electric car with a rather historic name - Bluebird. The Bluebird Electric team's attempt took place over Pendine Sands in South Wales on a quiet weekend this August. So if you thought that you would never be looking at any form of modified car insurance for an electric vehicle, you might have to think again.

Unfortunately, due to the Bluebird's suspension failing after hitting a pothole in the sand, their previous record still stands. Effectively, the disease of British roads – potholes – had managed to scupper this record attempt which took place in Carmarthenshire. We shouldn't really be surprised.

The previous record was set by Don Wales himself in 2000. Don's son Joe was the driver this time, and suffered minor whiplash injuries following the accident, which along with the tide, eventually forced the pair to abort.

The right wheel, and suspension suffered the brunt of the damage in front of an enthusiastic crowd of several hundred. Don was full of praise for all the preliminary hard work carried out by the mechanical and electrical team from Bristol University, who now have the task of improving and repairing Bluebird.

While the Bluebird Electric team will be back to re-attempt the record, this could be seen as an affectionate and nostalgic nod back to history. It was way back in 1924, that Sir Malcolm Campbell achieved 146mph on the same beach in Wales to set a land speed record for a combustion engine powered vehicle. Sir Malcolm's son, Donald, then took the water speed record in 1950 achieving an official speed of 152mph.

Don Wales and his Bluebird Electric team are ambitious, and not a little fearless. Not put off by Donald Campbell's death in 1967 when Bluebird K7 (pictured here seven years earlier at Goodwood) smashed at over 300mph attempting a further water speed record, he and his team have established a three year plan to achieve a staggering 500mph. If they can achieve this, they will beat the 307mph record currently held by the American Ohio State University team in their electric powered car, Buckeye Bullet 2.5 in 2010.

The World Land Speed Record of 763mph has stood since 1997, achieved in Black Rock Desert by the Thrust Supersonic car driven by Andy Green. If you think that sounds scary, he is now planning on smashing this with an attempt at over 1000mph in Bloodhound SSC. Keep your eyes peeled, as this extreme car is due to be tested on a runway in Britain sometime later this year or early 2012.

We search our panel of leading underwriters to find you the best policy

Why choose Performance Direct?

  1. The latest digital systems. Our customers enjoy all the advantages of the digital world. We offer excellent web and app-based insurance services, including a fast, easy-to-use quote engine and automated customer services allowing hassle-free access to documents and information.

  2. The peace of mind of a Chartered Broker. Everything we do is backed by a team of skilled, experienced insurance professionals. We’re a Chartered Insurance Broker, a family company with a proud 40-year history, so we’re bound by a personal and professional code to deliver the best service for our clients.

Chartered Insurance Broker badge
  1. We’re independent. Because we’re not tied to any brand or product, we can search the car insurance market to get you the best policies­—from third party policies to fully comprehensive cover. Whenever you ask for a new or a renewal quote, our systems search a panel of up to 100 leading UK underwriters to ensure you get the lowest price and the best policy.

  2. We’re on your side. If you need to make a claim, because we’re completely independent, we work with you to sort everything out and to make sure your claim is paid. Whether you need to sort out a hire car or a new windscreen, our claims service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. 

  3. Here for you. Your Online Insurance Account, support features, and on-line quotations are available 24/7, and our office is open 6 days a week.

Combining the advantages of the latest technology with real world experience, Performance Direct promises the lowest prices with the most efficient service.