Posts Tagged ‘Charles Burnett’
Brits set new land speed record for steam car
A team of British engineers has broken the longest-standing world land speed record in California.
The steam car, Inspiration, recorded an average speed of 139.843mph (225.06km/h) at Edwards air base, in the Mojave Desert, smashing the 1906 record. American Fred Marriot held the record set in 1906 of 127mph (204km/h).
The 25-foot-long, three-tonne “kettle” was driven by its main financier Charles Burnett III from Lymington, Hampshire.
Speaking from California, Mr Burnett said: “I wouldn’t like to leave it this close again, it was the last but one day we had to do this.
“It was absolutely fantastic I enjoyed every moment of it. The car really did handle beautifully.
“It is a privilege to be involved with such a talented crew, what we have achieved today is a true testament to British engineering, good teamwork and perseverance.”
We covered this well back in development days. As a lifetime gearhead, it’s a delight to be able to post this.
