A History of the Land Speed Record

racing car
David Savill / Getty

Teardrop Explodes
The aerodynamic Railton Mobile Special Racer, to be driven by Englishman John Cobb, is surrounded by mechanics at Brooklands. After reaching 369.74 mph in Utah in 1938, it was subsequently modified and reached 394.196 mph in 1947. Though Bonneville was bumpier that year, the Railton Mobile's record stood for sixteen years.

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