An homage to the legendary Blue Bird, constructed on the chassis of a 1921 Napier, led Bonhams’ Beaulieu Auction over the weekend, realising £264,700 ($342,650).

The lot is a replica of the Napier-Campbell Blue Bird, a unique design by C Amherst Villiers.

After a series of false starts, Campbell succeeded in recording a new record of 174.2 mph at Pendine Sands on February 4, 1927.

This replica was built by lifelong enthusiast Lorne Jacobs, who put it through its paces at Pendine earlier this year.  It’s comparatively safer,  but still capable of speeds of around 120mph.

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