Belstaff links with land speed record holder ahead of Origins launch

By

Sandra Halliday

Published
Oct 30, 2017

Belstaff has unveiled a partnership wth Project Bloodhound, the UK attempt to achieve a world land speed record faster than the speed of sound at 1,000 miles per hour.

The up-for-sale luxury biker-to-fashion brand has just launched a limited edition Bloodhound jacket. The four-pocket jacket is the first iteration of the Origins collection, which will launch next year. 

Priced at £795/ €795/ $950/ ¥124,500, it uses material unique to Belstaff “with functionally at its core, including bi-stretch, water resistant, wind proof, moisture wicking and UV protective properties.”

A certificate of authenticity signed by Bloodhound driver Andy Green is being given with every purchase. During November the jacket will also be available from the Virgin Atlantic Club House at Heathrow Airport, with delivery to hotels or homes available to clients.

Belstaff has a long history of links to land speed racing with the brand having been born in 1924, the year Malcolm Campbell set his land speed record and with Campbell becoming a fan of the label's jackets. It also partnered with Triumph on the motorcycle Land Speed Record last year, working with record holder Guy Martin on the salt flats of Bonneville.

The Bloodhound project’s car, Bloodhound SSC, made its public debut in Cornwall last week after having been in development since 2008. The milestone, using jet power to achieve 210 mph, was live-streamed on Belstaff’s website. The eventual attempt to break the sound barrier will take place in Hakskeen Pan, South Africa, and will use a combination of jet and rocket power.

Andy Green is the long-time land speed record holder, the former Wing Commander and the Thrust SSC team having broken the sound barrier, averaging 763.035mph, 20 years ago. 

Belstaff has also worked with the team to launch a pair of sunglasses, designed for use in the African desert during the record attempts. Produced with eyewear licence partner Imatta, the glasses were developed with a double mould injection process to give the frame its signature Bloodhound blue and orange hues. Constructed using EMS TR90 polyamide, also makes them lightweight and durable. They will launch in December at £215/ €235/ $280/ ¥35,000.