The legendary Bluebird hydroplane has undergone its final preparations ahead of an emotional return to the infamous lake where a British racing icon lost his life.
Donald Campbell was killed on Coniston Water in 1967 while attempting to smash his own water speed record in the sleek craft.
Bluebird K7 was later salvaged and painstakingly restored.
READ MORE: Farmer left stunned as land goes up in flames despite one of the wettest winters on record
And it is now set to return to the waters of Coniston in the Lake District for the first time this month.
The milestone marks 70 years since Campbell first made history on the lake.
The jet-powered hydroplane is expected to hit speeds of up to 150mph on the same stretch of water where Campbell first broke the record in 1956, as reported by Need To Know.
A spokesperson for Ruskin Museum said: “Bluebird K7 with her new heart, living and breathing ready for her return to Coniston Water.
“There are still a few finishing touches such as the canopy to be put on but all will be done before she goes on the water.”
The hydroplane was destroyed in January 1967 when Campbell crashed on Coniston Water while attempting to push his own record beyond 300mph.
After being recovered and restored, it was handed to Coniston’s Ruskin Museum in 2024.
While September marks the 70th anniversary of one of Campbell’s world records on Coniston, May was chosen for the return, with hopes of calmer, smoother conditions.
Australian Dave Warby – son of late record-holder Ken Warby – will take the controls.
Bluebird set seven world water speed records between 1955 and 1964 before being recovered from Coniston Water in 2001.
READ MORE: Multiple cars go up in flames on residential road as people left worried by the cause
