B.M.C.’s Land Speed Records for 1959

You gotta give the British Motor Corporation credit for their moxie- The makers of MG and Austin Healey automobiles had a long history of setting land speed records in tiny engine classes going back a number of years with Goldie Gardner. In September 1959 BMC took 2 special streamliners to the salt: First is a 70 horsepower, 950cc supercharged Austin Healey Sprite streamliner ran with 3 drivers and high hopes of breaking a 12 hour endurance and some class G records as well. Next up Phil Hill takes the MG X181 Streamliner making 300 hp up to a top speed of 254.91 breaking MG’s own record set 2 years earlier.

I find it incredible that the BMC crew made their own 10 mile circular course, marking the racing line, prepping the surface, and running the timing equipment (with help from the US Auto Club) just for their vehicle’s attempts.

Before anyone starts belly-aching that this post isn’t about traditional hot rodding, just watch the clip- Its worth it for the late 50s shots of Bonneville if nothing else!