The Spirit of America, 1963

Item — disc: 1

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

Craig Breedlove started at 13 with a '34 Ford that his parents bought him. Opening scenes of him driving cars on salt flats of various shapes, etc. Failed to break world record for speed after his clutch exploded while going 234 mph. Micky Thompson had a four engine car named The Challenger that struggled to break record, leading Breedlove to believe that an engine-driven car was not the answer.

Craig had the idea for a jet propulsion system that he believed would allow for faster speeds than an engine driven model. He was unable to find a sponsor for a period but was able to eventually find Shell Oil. Goodyear agreed to build the brakes and wheels as well as supply tires that would hold up to the speed of 600 miles per hour.

Everything was built by hand and it took weeks to complete much of the body, which was made out of aluminum. Because of the speed with which they built the car (needed to be done for Bonneville Salt Flats '62), it was much more expensive than they had initially estimated. It was finally shown in California after being delayed three times so it could be finished.

The car itself had a strange steering mechanism, using only breaks and a rudder. After only a single run, it was apparent to Breedlove that the car would not work, because he could not control the car. After some minor adjustments, it was determined that the car would still not work correctly and need more adjusting.

In 1963, they came back after modifying the steering of the car. Breedlove said that as soon as he drove the newest version of the car he knew it would be successful. Running the car at 90 percent throttle, he was able to hit 388 miles per hour, still six miles per hour below the previous world record of 394 miles per hour. He would now have to run in the opposite direction, this time running at 95 percent throttle, hoping to move his average speed above 394 miles per hour.

Color is very pink, quality is okay but not great.

Dates

1963

Conditions Governing Access

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