Sir Malcolm Campbell & Leo Villa at Daytona Beach, 1928
A contemporary International Newsreel photograph documenting Britain’s world land speed record of 206.956 mph with the Napier Blue Bird.
A defining moment in the history of speed
In February 1928, Sir Malcolm Campbell achieved one of the most important milestones in the history of motor racing, becoming the first driver to officially exceed 200 miles per hour on land. Driving the Napier-engined Blue Bird on the hard sands of Daytona Beach, Campbell recorded a two-way average speed of 206.956 mph, securing a new world land speed record and global recognition for British engineering.
Standing beside Campbell in this original press photograph is Leo Villa, his chief mechanic and long-time engineering partner. Villa’s role in the Blue Bird programme was fundamental, yet his presence in period photography is comparatively rare. Images showing both men together at the moment of achievement are therefore of particular historical importance.
The artefact
The item shown here is an original International Newsreel press photograph, issued in 1928 for worldwide media distribution following Campbell’s record-breaking run at Daytona Beach. Such photographs were produced for newspapers and cinema newsreels and were never intended for commercial sale.
This example has since been authenticated and encapsulated by PSA/DNA, confirming its originality and period of production.
Front of PSA/DNA encapsulated International Newsreel photograph showing Sir Malcolm Campbell with chief mechanic Leo Villa following the 1928 world land speed record.
Daytona Beach and the Blue Bird programme
Before the move to Bonneville Salt Flats in the 1930s, Daytona Beach served as the world’s primary venue for land speed record attempts. Its vast, compacted shoreline provided the only surface capable of supporting the extreme velocities pursued during the inter-war years.
The Napier Blue Bird shown in this photograph represents the uncompromising engineering philosophy of the era: immense displacement, minimal bodywork, and an absolute focus on speed. Campbell’s 1928 runs at Daytona marked a turning point, not only mechanically but psychologically, crossing the 200 mph barrier for the first time.
The reverse and press provenance
The reverse of the photograph carries a period typewritten International Newsreel caption detailing the location, achievement, and personnel involved. These captions were produced for editorial use and form a crucial part of the photograph’s provenance.
Reverse of the encapsulated photograph showing original International Newsreel markings and caption information.
Why this photograph matters
This photograph represents more than a celebrated individual or an iconic machine. It is a primary visual document recording a precise moment when British engineering ambition, mechanical expertise, and personal courage converged on a global stage.
As a contemporary press photograph with intact provenance, it provides a direct connection to one of the most significant achievements in early motor racing history and highlights the essential partnership between driver and mechanic at the dawn of extreme speed.
Availability
This artefact forms part of the CardHawk Vault. Selected items from the Vault are available for acquisition via CardHawkUK, with ownership and transactions handled separately from the archival presentation.
View acquisition details on CardHawkUK →
PSA/DNA authentication enquiries
CardHawk offers specialist support for PSA/DNA authentication of original photographs, press images, documents, and historically significant artefacts. PSA/DNA submissions can be complex, with costs varying significantly depending on the material involved.
If you have items you believe may be suitable for PSA/DNA authentication, we encourage you to get in touch for an initial review before submission.