[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/rolls-royce-unveils-special-phantom-coupe-mark-bluebird-water-speed-record\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/rolls-royce-unveils-special-phantom-coupe-mark-bluebird-water-speed-record\/","headline":"Rolls-Royce unveils special Phantom coupe to mark Bluebird water speed record","name":"Rolls-Royce unveils special Phantom coupe to mark Bluebird water speed record","description":"Rolls-Royce has unveiled a limited edition run of its classic Phantom model to celebrate Sir Malcolm Campbell\u2019s water speed record. As far as prestige cars go, it\u2019s a rare tribute to one of the most important figures in motoring history. Just 35 of the \u00a3450,000 cars are being made, with styling taken directly from the daredevil\u2019s famous Bluebird boats and cars. Specifically the handcrafted, open-topped limousines commemorate Campbell\u2019s setting in 1937 of a world-record speed of 126.33 mph in the […]","datePublished":"2014-05-15","dateModified":"2014-05-15","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/author\/isabelle-lawrence\/#Person","name":"Isabelle Lawrence","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/author\/isabelle-lawrence\/","identifier":30,"description":"Max Wheeler is a leading motoring journalist and classic car specialist at Smart Motoring, renowned for his sharp insight and infectious passion for all things automotive. With years of experience covering motoring news, supercars, and the enduring legacy of classic cars, Max brings stories to life with style and authority. Whether it\u2019s the roar of a Lamborghini, the elegance of an Aston Martin DB5, or the cultural impact of vintage motoring icons, he delivers expert commentary that inspires enthusiasts and collectors alike. Dedicated to celebrating the heritage and future of driving, Max Wheeler is your trusted voice for classic car news and beyond.","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8d331506e3c530b5ec4930c30a01ed8cc29b0537227573ae5da98f559e681401?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8d331506e3c530b5ec4930c30a01ed8cc29b0537227573ae5da98f559e681401?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Smart Motoring","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/smart-motoring_news_logo_g-e1765846726493.webp","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/smart-motoring_news_logo_g-e1765846726493.webp","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/mmv-RR-Waterspeed-hero-Side_V9_16x9crop.jpg","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/mmv-RR-Waterspeed-hero-Side_V9_16x9crop.jpg","height":325,"width":577},"url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/rolls-royce-unveils-special-phantom-coupe-mark-bluebird-water-speed-record\/","about":["Cars","LATEST CAR NEWS","Sports, Performance & Prestige Cars"],"wordCount":476,"keywords":["British car","Donald Wales","Maggiore Blue","performance direct","rolls royce phantom drophead","rolls Royce Waterspeed Collection","Rolls-Royce","Sir Malcolm Campbell"],"articleBody":"Rolls-Royce has unveiled a limited edition run of its classic Phantom model to celebrate Sir Malcolm Campbell\u2019s water speed record. As far as prestige cars go, it\u2019s a rare tribute to one of the most important figures in motoring history.Just 35 of the \u00a3450,000 cars are being made, with styling taken directly from the daredevil\u2019s famous Bluebird boats and cars. Specifically the handcrafted, open-topped limousines commemorate Campbell\u2019s setting in 1937 of a world-record speed of 126.33 mph in the Bluebird K3 boat powered by a Rolls-Royce R Engine.\u201cThis very special motor car serves to pay a perfect homage to my grandfather\u2019s remarkable acts of British daring and endeavour,\u201d said Donald Wales, grandson of Sir Malcolm Campbell.\u201cThe extraordinary attention to detail and commitment to engineering excellence so evident in these motor cars perfectly echoes the lengths my grandfather and his colleagues went to in their pursuit of the water speed records.\u201dRolls-Royce\u2019s Waterspeed Collection Phantom Drophead Coup\u00e9s feature a number of exclusively created design and engineering features. For example, the car is finished in a specially developed \u2018Maggiore Blue\u2019 exterior paint, which has been inspired by Bluebird\u2019s famous colour scheme.As you would expect from a company like Rolls-Royce, even the process of applying the paint is exhaustive and exacting. Before the hand-sanding and the application of a \u201ccutting-edge\u201d powdered lacquer is undertaken, nine layers of paint are applied to ensure an impeccable finish. Even the engine is painted – a first for the British car maker.The car is not slow – it boasts a top speed of 149mph and can reach 60mph from standing in under six seconds.But it\u2019s in the fine detailing and reference to Campbell\u2019s achievements that really make this something special. Luxury and prestige car collectors with deep pockets are likely to be queuing up for one.The car boasts a new interpretation of the \u2018power reserve\u2019 dial. \u201cAs the driver presses on, the dial moves backwards towards a yellow and blue zone, echoing Campbell\u2019s original K3 boat\u2019s \u2018going into the blue\u2019 at maximum engine revolutions,\u201d explains Rolls-Royce.It also has a bespoke front-lit clock featuring Bluebird\u2019s infinity symbol and \u201cdials hewn from a billet of aluminium\u201d that further evokes the spirit of the speed record chasing era that Campbell inhabited. There is even direct tribute to his records in the glovebox, with a hand-embroidered panel expressing the records the Briton achieved at Lake Maggiore and Coniston Water.\u201cFinally, the steering wheel is presented in two-tone for the very first time, with Maggiore Blue accents balancing perfectly with traditional black leather to complete a beautifully conceived interior design scheme,\u201d adds Rolls-Royce.If you\u2019re looking for cover for a sports, performance or prestige vehicle, speak to the car insurance team at Performance Direct \u2013 one of the UK\u2019s leading specialist insurers."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Latest News","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Rolls-Royce unveils special Phantom coupe to mark Bluebird water speed record","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/rolls-royce-unveils-special-phantom-coupe-mark-bluebird-water-speed-record\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]