Historical Events tagged with "land speed record"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Science & Technology

Gary Gabelich Sets Land Speed Record

October 23rd, 1970 54 years ago

Gary Gabelich achieved a remarkable land speed record by driving the Blue Flame, a rocket-powered automobile fueled by natural gas. Performing on a dry lake bed in California, Gabelich reached an astonishing speed of 622.407 miles per hour, solidifying his place in automotive history. The Blue Flame was designed specifically for speed records and showcased innovative engineering techniques, making it a pioneering vehicle in the realm of rocket-powered cars.

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Sports & Recreation

Rudolf Caracciola Breaks World Land Speed Record

January 28th, 1938 87 years ago

Rudolf Caracciola achieved a remarkable feat in automotive history by breaking the world land speed record on a public road in his Mercedes-Benz W125 Rekordwagen. Racing down the autobahn near Berlin, he reached a staggering speed of 432.7 kilometers per hour (268.9 mph). This landmark achievement not only showcased the engineering prowess of Mercedes-Benz but also highlighted the intense competition in early motorsport. Caracciola's triumph established him as one of the era's leading drivers.

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Sports & Recreation

Sunbeam 1000hp Breaks Land Speed Record

March 29th, 1927 97 years ago

Revving into history, the Sunbeam 1000hp, driven by Major Henry Segrave, shattered the land speed record at Daytona Beach, Florida. With a blistering speed of 203.79 mph, this engineering marvel demonstrated the peak of automotive technology of its time. The sleek design and powerful engine captivated the audience and left a lasting impact on motorsports. Segrave's daring attempt not only showcases human ingenuity but also symbolizes the fearless spirit of the roaring twenties in America.

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Transportation & Infrastructure

Gaston de Chasseloup-Laubat Sets Land Speed Record

December 18th, 1898 126 years ago

Gaston de Chasseloup-Laubat achieved the first officially recognized land speed record driving a Jeantaud electric car, reaching a speed of 63.159 km/h (39.245 mph). This record was set on a one-kilometer stretch near Paris, showcasing the capabilities of electric vehicles during a time when gasoline engines were beginning to dominate. The feat highlighted early innovations in automotive technology and the potential for electric propulsion.

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