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

 

 

 

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This article originally appeared in the November 2009 issue of Men’s Journal.