Campbell prototype up for auction

Donald Campbell had wanted to produce 5,000 Jetstars every year

A prototype jet-powered boat developed by speed hero Donald Campbell shortly before his ill-fated world record attempt is going under the hammer.

Campbell had planned to display the Bluebird Jetstar at London's Boat Show on 5 January 1967 - the day after he died on Coniston Water.

He had hoped to market the vessel as a family-sized runabout speedboat.

The Jetstar, expected to sell for about £30,000, will be auctioned by Bonhams at Goodwood in Chichester on 22 June.

There isn't another like it in the world, so hopefully it's going to be of interest to lots of people Owner Andy Stirland

Campbell was killed when his Bluebird K7 jet-boat flipped over and hit the water at over 300mph.

Following his death, the 13-ft Jetstar, which Campbell used as a runabout, was put into storage, but brought back to running condition in the 1980s.

The blue-hulled prototype was bought by present owner Andy Stirland in 2003, and has recently been on display at the National Maritime Museum in Cornwall.

Mr Stirland said: "This is a one-off. There isn't another like it in the world, so hopefully it's going to be of interest to lots of people.

'Deserves attention'

"Sadly, even boats as rare as this one don't tend to attract as much attention as vintage cars, but hopefully Jetstar will appeal to Donald Campbell enthusiasts and the classic boat community.

"I absolutely love the Campbell story, and that's why I think this boat deserves so much more attention than it's had in the past."

During the 1967 record attempt the craft was used it as a tender boat during practice runs, to evaluate Bluebird at close quarters.

Campbell had hoped to produce 5,000 Jetstars every year.