Bluebird CN7: A Turbine-Powered Legend That Redefined Speed

Speedcraft Mastery - In a time where speed defines both innovation and prestige, few machines in history have truly earned their legendary status. One of them is the 1967 Bluebird CN7, a car so powerful and advanced that it left even aircraft-powered vehicles in its shadow. Born from a bold ambition to dominate the land speed record, this machine blended aerospace engineering with relentless human drive—an icon that remains unmatched in its class.

The BlueBird CN7 (Campbell Norris) sat on display the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu. (Picture from: Bluebird-Electric.net)

The CN7 was created for Donald Campbell, a man who chased records on both land and water. In 1956, with the land speed benchmark set at 394 mph by John Cobb, Campbell set his sights higher—much higher. With the help of the Norris brothers, the minds behind his successful Bluebird K7 hydroplane, the goal was set: 500 mph on land. This dream took shape in the form of the CN7—short for Campbell–Norris 7.

The 1967 Bluebird CN7 —short for Campbell–Norris 7—born from a bold ambition to dominate the land speed record, this machine blended aerospace engineering with relentless human drive—an icon that remains unmatched in its class. (Picture from: ObscureSupercar in X)

Built by Motor Panels in Coventry under the guidance of Donald Stevens, with the Norris brothers —Ken and Lew— as co-chief designers, the CN7 was completed in 1960. At its heart sat the mighty Bristol-Siddeley Proteus 705 engine, a gas turbine originally made for aircraft. Specially modified to deliver power to both ends of the car, it produced over 4,000 horsepower and propelled all four wheels through a fixed-ratio drivetrain.

The 1967 Bluebird CN7, powered by a 4,000-hp gas turbine, set a land speed record of 403.1 mph (648.7 km/h). (Picture from: GloucestershireTransportHistory)

The CN7’s structure was just as revolutionary. Weighing 4 tons, it used an aluminum honeycomb chassis for strength without bulk. Its suspension was fully independent, with custom Dunlop tires reaching 52 inches in diameter and inflated to as much as 160 psi during record runs. With a drag coefficient of only 0.16 and a frontal area of just 26 square feet, it had an incredibly low drag area—essential for reaching extreme speeds.

Motor Panels of Coventry and Dunlop were major sponsors of the Bluebird CN7 (Campbell–Norris), shown here being prepared for action in the 1960s. (Picture from: Bluebird-Electric.net)

Its braking system was equally advanced, featuring inboard-mounted Girling disc brakes to reduce unsprung weight. These were backed by a pneumatic system and hydraulic air brakes that extended from the rear. The turbine engine also provided around 500 hp of braking at high speed, making slowing down almost as technical as speeding up.

The instruments inside the CN7’s cabin, as they appeared in 1963, reflected the advanced engineering and precision of its record-breaking design. (Picture from: Bluebird-Electric.net)

After a gentle debut at Goodwood in 1960 and again in 1962—where its limited steering made tight corners impossible—the CN7’s real challenge began at Bonneville Salt Flats. There, it hit nearly 400 mph in just 24 seconds using only 80% of its power. But disaster struck when Campbell crashed during a record attempt in September 1960. He suffered severe injuries and a shaken spirit, casting doubt on his future in racing.

 

During recovery in California, Campbell regained his confidence by learning to fly, and by 1961, he was ready to rebuild the CN7. Upgrades included a vertical stabilizing fin and differential locks, and by 1962 it was tested again at Goodwood. The next stop was Lake Eyre in Australia—an ideal 20-mile salt flat untouched by rain for two decades. Ironically, as the car arrived, so did the rain.

A cutaway drawing of the CN7 as used in motoring and educational articles. (Picture from: Bluebird-Electric.net)

In 1963, weather ruined any hopes of a record. The lake flooded, and the CN7 had to be rescued in the middle of the night to avoid submersion. Despite heavy sponsorship and global interest, the attempt failed, and BP pulled its support. Campbell was heavily criticized, even though conditions made the run impossible. Still, he refused to give up.

 

In 1964, with new backing from Australian oil company Ampol, Campbell returned to a still-damp Lake Eyre. By mid-July, a small window opened. On July 17, Campbell set a new record of 403.10 mph—though below the car’s intended top speed. The final stretch of the mile hit over 440 mph, proving that with better conditions, the CN7 could have shattered the 500 mph barrier.

The Bluebird CN7 shown here being prepared for action in the 1960s at Bonneville Salt Flats. (Picture from: Bluebird-Electric.net)

Despite his disappointment, the achievement was celebrated in Adelaide, where Campbell drove the CN7 through cheering crowds of over 200,000. After that, the car was displayed across Australia and the UK. But its active life wasn’t over yet.

 

In 1966, the CN7 was demonstrated in Essex with stand-in driver Peter Bolton. Another crash caused front-end damage, and although Campbell later drove it again, it was at reduced speed. His attention shifted to a new goal: the Bluebird Mach 1.1, a rocket-powered car. Sadly, Campbell lost his life in January 1967 during a water-speed attempt in Bluebird K7.

The jet-engined Bluebird K7, seen skimming across the water, was the vessel in which Donald Campbell tragically met his fate in January 1967. (Picture from: Bluebird-Electric.net)

The CN7 was restored in 1969 but never ran again. Plans to return it to Bonneville with Craig Breedlove were dropped. In 1972, it found its final home at the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu, where it remains on display today—a silent monument to one of engineering’s most daring dreams. | 6rDspdfhfm0 |

Even decades later, the CN7 continues to impress. Formula One design legend Adrian Newey once said it was the first car to understand ground effect—long before racing embraced it. That’s the kind of legacy the CN7 leaves behind: not just as a fast car, but as a masterpiece of vision, courage, and engineering far ahead of its time. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BLUEBIRD-ELECTRIC.NET | BEAULIEU.CO.UK | GLOUCESTERSHIRE TRANSPORT HISTORY | CNET | WIKIPEDIA | OBSCURESUPERCAR IN X ]

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