LAND SPEED RECORD

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23027, 3 May 1938, Page 17

LAND SPEED RECORD

COBB'S NEW RACING CAR REMARKABLE FEATURES [from our own correspondent] LONDON, April 14 The strangest piece of machinery ever constructed for human speed was on show at Brooklands this week, when its owner, Mr. John Cobb, racing motorist, explained its many novel points. In this new car—designed by Mr. lieid Rail toil and named after him —Mr. Cobb hopes to capture tho world's land speed record at Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah, in August. The Bailton weighs less thau half as much as the 7-ton Thunderbolt, with which Captain G. E. T. Eyston set up the present record of 311.42 miles an hour. Captain Eyston visited Brooklands to inspect his rival's car. It suggests the appearance of a whale or some sightless monster of prehistoric ages it has a detachable skin of aluminium with no break in its smooth contours except the covered cockpit just above its nose, and four low humps covering the tops of tho four tyres. There is no radiator and no fin. The wheels are completely enclosed. On eacli side of the chassis is a 12cvlinder, 1250-horse power Napier aero engine. On the right are the petrol and oil tanks; on the left is a tank holding 75 gallons of iced wator for cooling. Each engine has. its own clutch, throttle, gear-box and transmission brake, but a secret device enables tho driver to control them by means of a single throttle pedal, gear-lever and foot-brake. Normally, the whole skin of the car will be lifted off to enable Cobb to reach his seat, and it will be detached again when the wheels have to be changed or tho tanks filled. Captain Eyston will go to Utah in June, when he hopes to set up a new record. Later there will be another' attempt by the American, Ab Jenkins.'