IC - Internal Combustion | T - Turbine Powered | JT - Jet Vehicles | ST - Steam Powered | EL - Electric
All Out Land Speed Record List
Chart below does not different between type of power, this chart is showing you the history of the land speed records from the 1st record recorded to about 2004.
All Vehicles in Red were not record holders but provided some type of history to the sport of Land Speed Racing and should be used just for your information.
Click on the Vehicle to learn about it. |
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Date | MPH | Vehicle | Driver | Place | Engine | Type |
1813 | 3* | Issac de Rivaz | Issac de Rivaz | Switzerland | T | |
*Information brought to the existing FIA sanctioning body, is to accept Issac de Rivaz as the first Land Speed Record vehicle, (also inventor of an automobile in 1813) This is currently being perused by several people, one being Ben Jordan of Denver | ||||||
Dec 18, 1898 | 39.252 | Jeantaud | Chaselloup-Laubat | Acheres | Fulmen Battery Electric | EL |
Jan 17, 1899 | 41.420 | Jenatzy | Camille Jenatzy | Acheres | EL | |
Jan 17, 1899 | 43.690 | Jeantaud | Gaston De Chaselloup-Laubat | Acheres | Fulmen Battery Electric | EL |
Jan 27, 1899 | 49.920 | Jenatzy | Camille Jenatzy | Acheres | EL | |
Mar 4, 1899 | 57.600 | Jeantaud | Gaston De Chaselloup-Laubat | Acheres | Fulmen Battery Electric | EL |
April 29, 1899 | 65.790 | Jenatzy | Camille Jenatzy | Acheres | 2 Fulmen Battery Electric | EL |
April 13, 1902 | 75.060 | Serpollet | Leon Serpollet | Promenade | Single Action 4-cylinder | ST |
Aug 5, 1902 | 76.080 | Mors | Vanderbilt | Albis | IC | |
Nov 5, 1902 | 76.607 | Mors | Henri Fournier | Dourdan | 4-cylinder in-line | IC |
Nov 17, 1902 | 77.136 | Mors | M. Augieres | Dourdan | 4-cylinder in-line | IC |
July 17, 1903 | 83.468 | Gobron Brillie | Arthur Duray | Ostend | 4-cylinder opposed piston | IC |
Nov 5, 1903 | 84.731 | Gobron-Brillie | Arthur Duray | Ostend | 8-cylinder opposed piston | IC |
Jan 12, 1904 | 91.371 | Ford Arrow | Henry Ford | Michigan | 4-Cylinder in-line | IC |
Jan 28, 1904 | 92.299 | Mercedes 90 | William .K. Vanderbuilt | Daytona | 4-cylinder in-line | IC |
March 31, 1904 | 95.705 | Gobron-Brillie | Louis Rigolly | Nice | 8-cylinder opposed piston | IC |
May 25, 1904 | 97.258 | Mercedes Simplex 90 | Pierre de Caters | Ostend | 4-cylinder inline | IC |
July 21, 1904 | 103.561 | Gobron-Brillie | Louis Rigolly | Ostend | 8-cylinder opposed piston | IC |
First to exceed 100 mph. | ||||||
Nov 13, 1904 | 104.530 | Gordon Bennett | Paul Baras | Ostend | IC | |
Jan 24, 1905 | 104.651 | Napier 6 | Arthur MacDonald | Daytona | 6-cylinder in-line | IC |
Jan 24, 1905 | 109.75 | Mercedes Flying Dutchman | Herbert Bowden | Daytona | 2x 4-cylinder inlne | IC |
Bowden broke the Napier 6 record, but was disqualified because the vehicle exceeded weight limit of 2204.6 lbs. This forced an organization to be made for the United States, Great Britain and France | ||||||
Dec 30, 1905 | 109.025 | Darracq V8 | Victor Hemery | Arles | 90 degree V-8 | IC |
Jan 26, 1906 | 121.570 | Stanley Rocket | Fred Marriott | Daytona | Twin-Cyl Steam | ST |
Jan 26, 1906 | 127.600 | Stanley Rocket | Fred Marriott | Daytona | Twin-Cyl Steam | ST |
Record was not recognized by French who only credited him the speed over a Kilo not the mile | ||||||
Nov 8, 1909 | 125.946 | Blitzen Benz | Vicotor Hemery | Brooklands | 4-cylinder in-line | IC |
March 23, 1910 | 131.275 | Blitzen Benz #1 | Barney Oldfield | Daytona | 4-cylinder in-line | IC |
April 23, 1910 | 141.370* | Blitzen Benz #1 | Bob Burman | Daytona | 4-cylinder in-line | IC |
* was not recognized by the AIACR (Association Internationale des Automobile Clubs Reconnus), based in Paris. After this run AIACR laid down a new and fair rule for record attempts. They stipulated that attempts must be made in two directions to rule out any assist from wind. Americans however did not recognize this rule. | ||||||
June 24, 1914 | 124.095 | Benz #3 | L.G. Hornsted | Brooklands | 4-Cylinder in-line | IC |
*This was the first 2 way attempt set by AIACR for speed records | ||||||
Feb 12, 1919 | 150.534 | Packard 905 | Ralph de Plama | Daytona | V-12 | IC |
De Palma did not make second run according to rules of AIACR, Americans still did not enforce this rule, instead of making a second run he keep the recognition of the record in the US | ||||||
April 17, 1920 | 156.047 | Duesenberg | Tommy Milton | Daytona | 2 8-cyl in-line | IC |
On his attempt vehicle caught fire and was unable to make 2nd pass, so he kept the land speed record in the US | ||||||
1922 | ??? | Wisconsin Special | Sigmund Special | 6-cylinder in-line | IC | |
This basically is to state vehicle did exist with potential of going way faster during this time period. He made runs according to his statement of 180 mph, the press said 170 mph. None had ever been confirmed. Why is his name in here, like they said vehicle was built, did race, and was capable of being the fastest vehicle in the world at that time. | ||||||
May 17, 1922 | 133.708 | Sunbeam 350 hp | Kenelm Lee Guinness | Brooklands | 60 degree V-12 | IC |
June 23, 1922 | 137.720 | Sunbeam Bluebird | Sir Malcolm Campbell | Fanoe | IC | |
Speed was not recognized because the AIACR did not approve timing apparatus. | ||||||
June 6, 1924 | 143.31 | Delage | Rene Thomas | Arpajon | 60 degree v-12 | IC |
July 6, 1924 | 146.800 | Fiat | Ernest Eldrgride | Arpajon | 60 degree V-12 | IC |
Speed was objected because did not have reverse gear, the AIACR accepted the objection | ||||||
July 12, 1924 | 146.01 | Fiat Mephistopheles II | Ernest Eldridge | Arpajon | 60-degree V-12 | IC |
Sept 25, 1924 | 146.163 | Sunbeam Bluebird | Sir Malcolm Campbell | Pendine | V-12 | IC |
July 21, 1925 | 150.761* | Sunbeam Bluebird | Sir Malcolm Campbell | Pendine | V-12 | IC |
*First person ever officially to go over, and set record in excess of 150 mph | ||||||
March 16, 1926 | 152.330 | Sunbeam Ladybird | Henry Segrave | South-Port | 75 degree V-12 | IC |
April 27, 1926 | 169.298 | Babs | John Godfrey Parry Thomas | Pendine | 45 degree V-12 | IC |
April 28, 1926 | 171.019 | Babs | John Godfrey Parry Thomas | Pendine | 45 degree V-12 | IC |
Feb 4, 1927 | 174.880 | Napier-Campbell Bluebird | Sir Malcolm Campbell | Pendine | Napier W-12 Cylinder | IC |
March 29, 1927 | 203.792* | Sunbeam 1000 HP | Henry Segrave | Daytona | 2x Sunbeam V-12 | IC |
*became first man ever to exceed 200 mph | ||||||
Feb 19, 1928 | 206.956 | Napier-Campbell Bluebird | Sir Malcolm Campbell | Daytona | Napier W-12 Cylinder | IC |
April 22, 1928 | 207.552 | White Triplex | Ray Keech | Daytona | 3x Liberty V-12 | IC |
April 25, 1928 | Stutz Black Hawk | Frank Lockhart | Daytona | V-16 Duesenberg | IC | |
Frank Lockhart made an attempt on the record at Daytona, lost control and ended up in the sea, he was rescued, Keech then broke the record, then Frank tried again blew a tire and lost his life. | ||||||
March 11, 1929 | 231.446 | Golden Arrow Irving Napier | Henry Segrave | Daytona | Napier Lion W-12 Cylinder | IC |
Feb 5, 1931 | 246.088 | Napier-Railton Bluebird IV | Sir Malcolm Campbell | Daytona | 12 cyl SC | IC |
Feb 24, 1932 | 253.968 | Napier-Railton Bluebird | Sir Malcolm Campbell | Daytona | Rolls Royce V-12 | IC |
Feb 22, 1933 | 272.465 | Railton Rolls Royce Bluebird | Sir Malcolm Campbell | Daytona | Rolls Royce V-12 | IC |
March 7, 1935 | 276.820 | Railton Rolls Royce Bluebird | Sir Malcolm Campbell | Bonneville | Rolls Royce V-12 | IC |
Sept 3, 1935 | 301.129* | Railton Rolls Royce Bluebird | Sir Malcolm Campbell | Bonneville | Rolls Royce V-12 | IC |
* First person to break 300 mph barrier | ||||||
Nov 19, 1937 | 311.606 | Thunderbolt | George E. Eyston | Bonneville | 2x- Rolls Royce - SC V-12 | IC |
Aug 27, 1938 | 333.419 | Thunderbolt | George E. Eyston | Bonneville | 2x- Rolls Royce - SC V-12 | IC |
Aug 27, 1938 | 345.490 | Thunderbolt | Goerge E. Eyston | Bonneville | 2x- Rolls Royce - SC V-12 | IC |
Sept 15, 1938 | 350.200 | Railton | John Cobb | Bonneville | 2x Napier Lion V-12 | IC |
First Record Holder to use 4 wheel drive | ||||||
Sept 16, 1938 | 357.50 | Thunderbolt | George E. Eyston | Bonneville | 2x- Rolls Royce - SC V-12 | IC |
Aug 23, 1939 | 369.740 | Railton Mobil Special | John Cobb | Bonneville | 2 -SC Napier Lion V-12 | IC |
Sept 16, 1947 | 394.194* | Railton Mobil Special | John Cobb | Bonneville | 2 - SC Napier Lion V-12 | IC |
* First person to break 400 mph barrier during his two way record. | ||||||
Aug 5, 1963 | 407.518* | Spirit of America | Craig Breedlove | Bonneville | J-47 Jet Engine | JT |
*first person to set record over 400 mph, first to use Jet Engine Record not accepted by FIA as the car was three wheeled and not powered through its wheels but it was recognised by the FIM as a 'motorcycle and sidecar' |
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July 17, 1964 | 403.135 | Bluebird Proteus CN7 | Donald Campbell | Lake Eyre | Bristol-Siddeley Protsud Turbine | T |
October 2, 1964 | 413.199 | Wingfoot Express | Tom Green | Bonneville | J-46 Jet Engine | JT |
Cctober 5, 1964 | 434.187 | Green Monster | Art Arfons | Bonneville | J-79 Jet Engine | JT |
October 1964 FIA (Federation Internationale de L'Automobile) took over for the AIACR finally made two classes one for cars with at least two driven wheels and the other for cars powered by jet engines | ||||||
Oct 13, 1964 | 468.719 | Spirit of America | Craig Breedlove | Bonneville | J-47 Jet Engine | JT |
Oct 15, 1964 | 526.277 | Spirit of America | Craig Breedlove | Bonneville | J-47 Jet Engine | JT |
On that run both parachutes failed, disk brakes burned out and Breedlove wrecked the car ending up in irrigation ditch. | ||||||
Oct 22, 1964 | Wingfoot Express II | Bobby Tatroe | Bonneville | 25 Jato Rockets | JT | |
Walt Arfons vehicle Wingfoot Express II reached speeds in excess of 580 mph but the rockets ran out of thrust before the driver could finish thru the measured mile or kilo | ||||||
Nov 2, 1965 | 555.483* | Spirit of America Sonic I | Craig Breedlove | Bonneville | J-79 Jet Engine | JT |
*first person over 500 mph | ||||||
Nov 7, 1965 | 576.553 | Green Monster | Art Arfons | Bonneville | J--79 Jet Engine | JT |
Nov 12, 1965 | 409.277 | Goldenrod | Bob Summers | Bonneville | 4x - V-8 Chryslers | IC |
This car is now the fastest for wheel driven and piston engines. | ||||||
Nov 15, 1965 | 600.601* | Spirit of America Sonic I | Craig Breedlove | Bonneville | J-79 Jet Engine | JT |
*first person over 600 | ||||||
Oct 23, 1970 | 630.388 | Blue Flame | Gary Gabelich | Bonneville | Reaction Dynamics Liquid fuel Rocket | JT |
First record set by a rocket powered car. | ||||||
Oct 4, 1983 | 633.468 | Thrust II | Richard Noble | Black Rock | Rolls Royce Avon Jet Engine | JT |
Aug 21, 1991 | 409.978 | Speed0Motive | Elwin Teague | Bonneville | IC | |
Set new wheel driven and piston engine mark. | ||||||
Sept 25, 1997 | 714.144* | Thrust SSC II | Andy Green | Black Rock | 2 Rolls Royce Jet Engines | JT |
Andy Green first person thru 700 mph barrier | ||||||
Oct 15, 1997 | 763.035* | Thrust SSC II | Andy Green | Black Rock | 2 Rolls Royce Jet Engines | JT |
First person to set a record over the speed of sound by a land vehicle. | ||||||
October 18, 2001 | 458.440 | Turbinator | Don Vesco | Bonneville | T55-L-11A SA | T |
Set new mark for wheel driven vehicles powered by a Turbine engine | ||||||
2002 |
413 | Parts Peddler | Nolan White | Bonneville | 2x Chevy's | IC |
Not recognized by FIA | ||||||
October 16, 2004 | 417.020 | Burkland's Streamliner | Tom Burkland | Bonneville | 2x Chrysler Donovans | IC |
Not recognized by the FIA |
Jeantaud
This vehicle was an electric powered vehicle weighing over 3,000 lbs. This was powered by Fulman Batteries.. Vehicle was driven by Count de Chasseloup-Laubat. Record attempt was made at Acheres, Paris. This vehicle is credited with the first land speed record.
La Jamais Contente
This vehicle was powered by 2 Fulmen Batteries, and weighed 3,197 lbs. First man in world credited to break the 100 km per hour (62.15 mph). Vehicle has semi-elliptical leaf spring suspension, wood spoke wheels, Michelin solid rubber tire, cigar shaped body and a Parinium alloy body. Driven by Camille Jenatzy.
Serpollet
This was a steam powered single action 4 cylinder. One of three cars built. Went in excess of 75 mph. Driven by Leon Serpollet.
Mors 60 HP
Mors 60 HP was powered by a 9,200 cc in-line 4 cylinder with a 4 speed transmission, shaft driven. This vehicle was at the start of the gasoline engine era. Driven by Henrie Fournier and Pierre de Caters
Ford Arrow
Vehicle orginally was wrecked and claimed life of the driver. Henry Ford rebuilt the machine and persued a land speed record at 91.369 mph in 1903. The attempt took place on Lake St. Clair Michigan. Was first time record attempt was out of French Territory. It was powered by a in-line 4 cylinder with a capacity of 15,700 cc's with 72 bhp. Driven by Henry Ford.
Mercedes 90
Powered by a 4 cylinder in-line with 11,900 cc's and 90 bhp at 1,150 rpm. Setting the record in 1904 with W.K. Vanderbuilt at the controls at Daytona Beach. Driving the wheels was a four speed transmission, chain drive.
Gordon-Brillie
Built explicitly for land speed racing. 1st vehicle to set record over 100 mph at 103.170 mph. Powered by a in-line 4 cylinder, 13,600 cc's with 130 bhp. Engine was an opposed 4-cylinder layout, chassis consisted of welded steel tubes. Driven by Louis Rigolly.
Napier 6
1st British attempt for land speed racing. Using a in-line 6 cylinder, 15,000 cc's with 90 bhp. Vehicle used 2 speed transmission, shaft driven and a more aerodynamic front end than most cars of that time. Driven by Arthur E. Macdonald.
Flying Dutchman
This was Herbert Bowden, the driver, creation. Exceeded the record but was disqualified for a over the weight limit technicality. Powered by 2 Mercedes 60 engines, one behind each other. They together developed 120 bhp. Car cost $50,000 during that time.
Darracq V8
Another vehicle prepared for just land speed racing. Louis Ribeyrolles placed two 4 cylinder engines at 90 degrees each other creating one of the first V8 engines. Capacity of 22,500 cc's with 200 bhp at 1,200 rpm and a two speed transmission. Victor Hemery drove the vehicle.
Stanley Rocket
Used as an attempt to bring back steam power. The Stanley Brothers prepared the vehicle was horizontal twin-cylinder steam engine, it only had 15 moving parts and weighed a mere 198 lbs, which produced 120 bhp at 800 rpm. It was driven by Fred Marriott. Car was steered by two levers instead of a wheel and had inboard brakes installed. Car weighed only 1,543 lbs.
Blitzen Benz
German car to compete for records. This also used a in-line 4 cylinder with 21,500 cc's with 200 bhp at 2,000 rpm. Bore of 185 mm and stroke of 200 mm. Engine had overhead valves with were controlled by pushrods and rockers and were larger than pistons of modern cars. Each cylinder had 2 valves. Was driven by Hemery, Barney Oldfield and Bob Burman.