The Bluebird L.1 was initially designed as a competitor in the Lympne light aircraft trials to be held in September 1924 for a low-powered two-seater, fitted with a 67 in3 (1,100 cc) Blackburne Thrush three-cylinder radial engine.

The Bluebird was a wooden single-bay biplane, with folding wings and was fitted with a single side-by-side cockpit.

[1] Although first flying in 1924,[2] problems with the engine, which failed to give the expected power, meant that it could not compete in the 1924 competition.

The Daily Mail sponsored a similar competition in September 1926, this time allowing the use of heavier and more powerful engines.

The prototype Bluebird was then fitted with an Armstrong Siddeley Genet radial engine and dual controls for entry into the competition.