Kettle power

 

British ingenuity has come hurtling down the Mojave Desert, California, and smashed the steam-powered land speed record set in 1906.

The steam car, called Inspiration, is 25-feet long and weighs three-tonnes. Dubbed “Kettle”, the car was driven by its financier Charles Burnett III.

The kettle is made of a carbon-fibre composite and aluminium wrapped around a steel frame chassis. The lightweight body is fitted with 12 boilers that contain almost two miles of tubing.

Inspiration reached a speed of 139.843mph (219.04km) on its first run. On a second run, the steam-powered car peaked at 151.085mph (243.15 km/h).

To beat the Federation International Automobile record, the team had to complete two runs in opposite directions, less than an hour apart.

The car broke the 1906 record of 127mph (204km/h) held by American Fred Marriot.

Mr Burnett told the BBC: "It was absolutely fantastic I enjoyed every moment of it. The car really did handle beautifully.

"It is a privilege to be involved with such a talented crew, what we have achieved today is a true testament to British engineering, good teamwork and perseverance."

On the boil

Meet Role Models involved with steam energy.

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