Michael Gaylard Photography

The Campbell Shed was originally built in the early 20th century as part of the Brooklands race track, which opened in 1907 as the world’s first purpose-built motor racing circuit. The shed was used as a pit stop, workshop, and storage area for the racing cars that competed on the track, including those driven by Sir Malcolm Campbell, one of the most celebrated figures in British motorsport history.

Sir Malcolm Campbell was a pioneering racing driver and land speed record holder who achieved global fame for his daring and innovative feats behind the wheel. Campbell broke the land speed record nine times between 1924 and 1935, and he was the first person to exceed 300 mph (483 km/h) in a car, a feat he accomplished in 1935 in his Campbell-Railton Blue Bird at Daytona Beach, Florida. His connection to Brooklands was deep and enduring, as the track was where he began his career and achieved many of his early successes.

The Campbell Shed became synonymous with Campbell’s record-breaking achievements. It was here that his iconic cars, such as the Blue Bird and the Railton Special, were prepared, maintained, and refined for their historic runs. The shed was a hub of activity during race days and record attempts, where mechanics, engineers, and Campbell himself worked tirelessly to push the boundaries of speed and performance.

After World War II, the Campbell Shed fell into disuse, but with the establishment of Brooklands Museum in 1991, it was restored to its original appearance and incorporated into the museum’s exhibits. Today, the shed stands as a testament to Campbell’s legacy and the golden age of British motorsport, preserving the memory of his achievements and the history of land speed records at Brooklands.