Reckless!
The Fall and Rise of AC 'Bluebird'

By Kevin Shilling

The book about how a global star became a farmyard wreck – then, thanks to a full restoration, rose again onto the international stage.

AVAILABLE NOW

Intro Video
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Where is this damn car going to take me next?!

I was recently interviewed at Gun Hill Studios about my soon to be published book and to answer comments about AC Bluebird.

Intro Video
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Bluebird K7 to AC 'Bluebird'

Watch the world famous Bluebird K7 morph into the beautiful AC 'Bluebird'.

Intro Video
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A Glimpse of AC Aceca Bluebird

A short teaser of a TV programme that will be broadcast in the future. Produced by Gun Hill Studios, the programme follows AC Bluebird on various adventures across Italy, around Goodwood and on top of the Sussex Downs.

Intro Video
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K7 Paint Being Sprayed on AC Bluebird

Fragments of rock hard K7 paint were reconstituted and mixed with modern, more robust paint, before being sprayed over the car. The original K7 paint is mostly on the roof of the Aceca. The paint fragments were kindly supplied by Bill Smith, who is leading the Bluebird Restoration Project.

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AC 'Bluebird'

AC Aceca on stand at Earls Court Motor Show 1954

Star of the Show

Star of the Show in 1954, mixing with celebrities, traveling the country and staying in exclusive grand hotels. Yet by the late sixties was ignored and had become a neglected wreck.

But a true star never fades.

This website tells the story of the first ever AC Aceca. How it was voted car of the year, was owned by the land and water speed record holder Donald Campbell, and then had successive owners. The car was found rusting in a farmyard and underwent extensive restoration. It then changed hands again several times.

I bought the car in 2014. I had no idea what I was doing. I knew nothing about the car, nothing about Donald Campbell and absolutely nothing about motor racing.

This little car started me on a journey I could never have imagined and it is not over yet…

Kevin Shilling

History Brief
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  • Nicknamed 'Bluebird'
  • Defining Moment
  • Car of the Year 1954
  • Donald Campbell and the Bristol 100B
  • Farmyard Wreck
  • Mrs Nickless, Hill-Climbing
  • Comprehensive Restoration
  • Motoring Celebrity

Technical Brief
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  • Technical information about AC 'Bluebird'
  • Registration Number
  • Chassis Number
  • Wheelbase and Track
  • Dimensions
  • Engine
  • Carburettor
  • Transmission

Restoration Brief
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  • Black Flag
  • Racing Restoration
  • Woodworm
  • Engine and Electrics
  • Minute Blemishes Tapped
  • Donald Campbell’s ‘Bluebird’ Blue
  • Bluebird Restoration Project
  • AC ’Bluebird’ Third
  • Photo of Latest Restoration

Contact
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If you want to know more about the progress of AC ‘Bluebird’ or have information that might be helpful, please get in touch through the form below.

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