THE 350HP SUNBEAM “BLUEBIRD” EXTREME LIMITED EDITION CUFFLINKS
TMB are proud to announce the creation of our most spectacular cufflinks to date, cufflinks which surely rank amongst the most spectacular automotive themed links ever created. Three designs, crafted incorporating original metal from the 350HP Sunbeam Bluebird, Sir Malcolm Campbell’s first iconic Bluebird land speed record car. These cufflinks have yet to be officially launched but please contact us to register interest.
Post World War One motor sport was captivated by a new breed of thundering aero-engine powered cars of which the “350HP Sunbeam” was the most famous. Equipped with an 18 litre engine developing 355 horse power, the car was built in 1920 for racing at Brooklands and it was here two years later that Kenelm Lee Guinness achieved 133 mph in the Sunbeam, a new land speed record.
Successful gentleman racing driver, Sir Malcolm Campbell, was impressed and borrowed the Sunbeam to compete in the Saltburn Speed Trials, achieving 138 mph, although being only a one way run this was not recognised as an official record. Fired with enthusiasm, Campbell purchased the Sunbeam outright in order to undertake a serious land speed record attempt and, having christened the car Bluebird, successfully logged his first records, culminating in 150mph on Pendine Sands in 1925.
The 350HP Sunbeam was, ultimately, the car that inspired the Campbell family, father Malcolm and son, Donald, in their insatiable quest for speed records in cars and boats, always named Bluebird.
Campbell posses for publicity pictures in the cockpit of the 350HP Sunbeam Bluebird.
At Pendine Sir Malcolm Campbell watches on as the spark plugs of Bluebird’s Sunbeam aero engine are cleaned.
Campbell crosses the finishing line of the timed mile on 21st July 1925, officially the fastest man on earth at 150mph
Over the years Bluebird has become both iconic and synonymous with record breaking machines that linked state-of-the-art engineering with human achievement and daring deeds. In tribute to this legendary name, TMB are pleased to announce the forthcoming launch of their tribute Bluebird edition of cufflinks, appropriately probably the most spectacular automotive themed links ever created, both in perspectives of design and provenance, the cufflinks made incorporating actual metal from the first ever Bluebird land speed record car.
THE CUFFLINKS
TMB’s Bluebird edition comprises three different designs crafted with a defined 1920’s style; the Speed Kings, Pendines and Wheels, each incorporating actual original “donor” metal from the 350HP Sunbeam, Sir Malcolm Campbell’s first Bluebird land speed record car.
Entirely hand crafted in England, importantly each design is limited to only fifty (50) pairs worldwide and accompanied by a Certificate of Provenance. The cufflinks are available in two specifications, either with cufflink arms in silver or of 18ct gold.
The Speed Kings feature beautiful asymmetric sculptures of Sir Malcolm at the wheel of Bluebird, crafted of aluminium from Bluebird, the cockpit edging being in bronze originating from the iconic steam locomotive Flying Scotsman, the first steam locomotive to officially achieve 100mph. Neckerchiefs are in 18ct gold.
The Pendines feature miniature sculptures of Bluebird at speed, crafted of aluminium from Bluebird with stylised “spray” emanating from the wheels in 18ct gold, the colours contrasting beautifully. The tiny sculptures of Sir Malcolm are also in 18ct gold.
The Wheels, feature the rear faired wheel used by Bluebird during her 1925 run, crafted of aluminium from Bluebird, with tyres and tiny central spinners of bronze originating from the iconic steam locomotive Flying Scotsman.
PRICING
Pricing has yet to be finalised but is likely to be £2,995 for the Speed Kings and Pendines equipped with silver backing plates and cufflink arms or £4,500 if fitted with gold. The Wheels will likely be £1,995 with silver or £3,500 with gold.
The 350HP Sunbeam Bluebird is displayed with appropriate reverence within the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu and the expert engineers there are currently rebuilding the car’s original modified 18 litre Sunbeam Manitou aero engine so that she can once again come to life. 10% from the sale of these cufflinks will go towards funding that work.
THE PROVENANCE
Ten of the Sunbeam’s twelve pistons removed during the car’s circa 2010 restoration back to running order at the National Motor Museum.
One of Bluebird’s circa 1925 pistons is cut up in readiness for recycling into cufflinks of historic significance.
Pieces of piston are placed in the crucible and melted to be recast into cufflink sculptures.
A freshly cast “tree” of beautiful miniature Pendine sculptures; miniatures of the 1925 Bluebird made of 1925 Bluebird...
...together with Speed King effigies of Campbell, also crafted of actual original “donor” metal from the car.
The miniature aluminium Speed King and Pendine sculptures plus Wheels are crafted of “donor” aluminium from one of the original pistons from Bluebird. This set of pistons were made especially for Campbell prior to the 1925 run to increase the compression ratio in an effort to achieve more power and speed. The Speed Kings and Pendines have been created from hand sculpted masters and, in consequence, are true pieces of miniature fine art wearable upon the sleeve.
