IT’S the colour that gives the clue to the history behind one of the most striking exhibits at the Lakeland Motor Museum.

Among a myriad of other stunning vehicles – the 1937 Bentley stands out with its resplendent paintwork of bright blue – Bluebird Blue.

The Derby-built Bentley was once owned and driven by the world land and water speed record holder Donald Campbell.

Campbell bought the Bentley in February 1949.

At that time, it was silver in colour – despite originally being black.

The famous water and land speed record breaker owned many vehicles during his lifetime and many of them were painted in the distinctive Bluebird Blue colour.

He had a personal St Christopher badge made which is still in position on the dashboard.

Records show he only kept this vehicle for just under a year.

The next owner kept it for 37 years and it was then kept in storage for several years before the museum purchased it.

During the comprehensive restoration it was decided to paint the Bentley in the striking Bluebird Blue and – if you have a close look – you will see an appropriate radiator mascot was also fitted.

It has a straight six 4410cc engine.

Rolls Royce built Bentleys were developed as highly tuned and lowered versions of the more staid and upright Rolls Royce products.

They were mainly bought by those wanting more sporting potential.

It’s hard to imagine anyone more inclined to seek out sporting potential – than Donald Campbell.

He remains the only person to set both world land and water speed records in the same year.

Replicas of the many racing cars and boats associated with Donald Campbell and Sir Malcolm Campbell are also housed at the Lakeland Motor Museum in a separate exhibition building.

They include full sized replicas of the 1935 Blue Bird car, 1939 Blue Bird Boat K4 and the 1967 jet hydroplane Bluebird K7.