1-193-319 - National Motor Museum/Heritage Images

Donald Campbell and the Bluebird team, Goodwood, 22nd July 1960. Donald Campbell is in the centre holding 'Mr Whoppit', with his arm round Leo Villa. They are grouped around the 'Bluebird' car. The photograph was taken during the car's first test run. He claimed the land speed record on 17th July 1964 at Lake Eyre, Australia. Leo Villa was an engineer involved with both Donald, and his father Malcolm Campbell, on all their Bluebird record attempts. Whenever Campbell tried for a record, his mascot Mr Whoppit went with him. Campbell is the first and thus far only person to hold both Water and Land Speed Records. He died on 4th January 1967 on Coniston Water, Cumbria, whilst attempting to beat his own world record of 276 mph at a speed close to 320 mph on his return run. No trace was ever found of Campbell. Mr Whoppit floated to the surface and is now the mascot of Campbell's daughter Gina who continues the record breaking tradition.