Men's Journal

Steve Fosset’s scrapped land-speed record project can now be yours for a mere $4 million.

By Martin Mulkeen

When Steve Fossett disappeared in 2007, he had more than 100 land, air, and water records to his name. But he left a big project unfinished: a jet-car just weeks away from testing. Its driver deceased, the project was mothballed — a potential speed record sealed in time. Now it’s up for sale.

Granted, the car has been around the block. In 1996 it ran 675 mph under the stewardship of Craig Breedlove but went up on two wheels and veered off course. In 1997 its engine ingested a rock just before Richard Noble’s team leaped ahead of the sound barrier. But the car is no lemon. Fossett and chief engineer Eric Ahlstrom spent a year rebuilding it from the ground up. With a GE J-79 turbojet engine and a thrust to weight ratio of 2:1, the car may be capable of speeds of 800, 900, or even 1,000 mph (asking price is about $4 million; project100.com).

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This article originally appeared in the December 2009/January 2010 issue of Men’s Journal.