It took 103 years, but the longest-standing land speed record is finally history.
By Darren Reidy
On August 26 at Edwards Air Force Base, a vehicle driven by Don Wales surpassed the world record for steam-powered land speed — which had stood for 103 years. The sleek Batmobile-shaped car averaged 148 mph, finally besting by 20 mph the Stanley Steamer driven by Fred Marriott on a Florida beach in 1906. The British team produced a machine of durability and power; by contrast, the original wood Steamer (which unofficially hit 150 before splintering) was the weight of a Smart car, with horsepower like a small tractor’s. So how would the British car have fared against the 1906 record-holder? “It was well ahead of its time,” says British crew chief Nick Bass. “But with enough run-up we would have beaten the Steamer.”
Stanley Steamer
Top average speed: 128 mph
Horsepower: 30 (one boiler)
Body: 1,675 lbs, inverted wood canoe
Cost (in today’s dollars): $100,000
Engine: Piston (like a steam locomotive)
Years to build: Five months (estimated)
British Steam Car
Top average speed: 148 mph
Horsepower: 360 (12 boilers)
Body: 6,000 lbs, steel-carbon composite
Cost: $1 million
Engine: Two-stage turbine
Years to build: 10
—
This article originally appeared in the November 2009 issue of Men’s Journal.
Print this article
November 20th, 2009 at 3:37 am
For more information on this car and steam cars in general check out The Steam Car Club of Great Britain web site at http://www.steamcar.net regards, Jeff.
[Reply]
November 21st, 2009 at 3:46 am
interesting designs, and a so fantastic:))
[Reply]