CAMPBELL’S FINAL CAR SAVED!
Hopes for Sir Malcolm’s Hurricane at PC show
A1946 Armstrong Siddeley bought new by Sir Malcolm Campbell has been rescued and returned to the UK. The Hurricane – thought to be the last new vehicle Campbell bought before his death in 1948 – is expected to make its debut at the Practical Classics Classic Car and Restoration Show at the NEC on March 22-24.
Members of the Armstrong Siddeley Owners Club, who are working on the car at their Wiltshire base, bought the car from a Swiss collector. Club director Peter Pearson says good progress is being made: ‘It was in a very poor state with serious rust in the chassis and most panels, but the work is well under way.’
The previous owner – an aeronautical engineer – had begun restoration work but ill health forced him to stop. Every bit of metal has been galvanised, powder-coated or chromed. Now, volunteers will make use of the extensive spare parts facility held by the club.
Sir Malcolm ordered the car new in 1946, when he held both the world land and water speed records. He had it painted in his favourite Bluebird shade of blue and improved the performance of the car by having the cylinder head skimmed to increase compression.
Sir Malcolm died aged 63 on New Year’s Eve, 1948, and the car ended up in the hands of Cambridge biochemist and historian Dr Joseph Needham (whose other interests besides Armstrong Siddeley included morris dancing and naturism).
‘It’s had a fascinating history,’ says Peter. ‘But we’re chuffed that Sir Malcolm was the fastest man on land and water, yet he chose an Armstong Siddeley!’
‘Sir Malcolm painted it in his favourite Bluebird blue’