The record—which was untouched since American Fred Marriot set it in 1906—was shattered at Edwards Air Force Base, in the Mojave Desert, California. According to the rules set by the Federation International Automobile, the car had to do two runs in opposite directions, with a maximum one hour interval between them. It was a tough one: The first try failed in August 19, when there was a problem with one of the car's turbine. Needless to say, Burnett was ecstatic:

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.

[BBC News and Autopia]

Burnett will try to beat the previous record-established at 127.658mph by American Fred Marriott in 1906-over the Mojave Desert in early June. Yes, Fred got that speed in 1906. On this kettle:

The attempt to break the record will happen tomorrow at 6am, California time. [Daily Mail]

The 25-foot-long steam supercar has a theoretical speed of 170mph. It uses four 90Ah electric batteries for ignition, which fires up the gas to heat twelve boilers. The boilers—which have a whooping two miles of metal tubing inside—can heat 13.2 gallons of water (50 litres) per minute to a temperature of 752 degrees Fahrenheit (400ºC). The resulting vapor is injected into a 13,000rpm turbine at go time.

Burnett will try to beat the previous record—established at 127.658mph by American Fred Marriott in 1906—over the Mojave Desert in early June.

GALLERY





END

[Daily Mail]

This entry has four boilers and can go up to 200MPH in the Utah Salt flats, some of the flattest tracts of land this side of Keira Knightley. Steam Superman is jealous. – Jason Chen

British Steam Car Challenge [via Crave via Sci Fi]