TO DO 300 M.P.H.?

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 995, 11 June 1930, Page 1

TO DO 300 M.P.H.?

SECRET ENGINE ACQUIRED BY “WIZARD” SMITH ATTEMPT AT 90-MILE BEACH The stupendous speed of 300 miles an Hour is aimed at by the Australian motorist, Norman “Wizard’* Smith, when he attacks Sir Henry Segrave's one-mile world’s land-speed record of 233 m.p.h. at the 90-mile beach, Kaitala, early next year. For the proposed attempt the British Government has loaned a secret engine, which was shipped from England recently. Mr. Don Harkness, who accompanied “Wizard” Smith on his 10mile world’s record attempt at Kaitaia early thib year, will be responsible for installing the engine in a special chassis. The conditions under which the British Government has loaned the engine, which was one of 10 constructed for the Schneider Cup air race, require that only Don Harkness and his partner may know the interior dimensions and details. The engine is supercharged and will develop 2,000 horsepower at top speed—4,ooo revolutions —which, with the gearing that will be , installed, will drive the car at 300 m.p.h. The engine is twice as powerful as that installed in the Golden Arrow, in which Sir Henry Segrave established the record of 233 m.p.h. last year. When this information was referred to the secretary of the Auckland -Automobile Association, Mr. G. W. Hutchison, he said that it had been in the possession of the association for some time, although it was held to be confidential. Negotiations concerning the attempt, however, had proceeded between the association and the Government.

“We are also in touch with the International Association of Automobile Clubs and the Royal Automobile Club to ensure that the attempt on the record will be strictly in accordance with international rules,” said Mr. Hutchison, “and special electric timing apparatus will be imported to time the event.”