The First to break the 200 km/h mark

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Today, November 8th, marks the 100th anniversary of the first World Land Speed Record over 200 km/h. The scene: Brooklands. The car: Blitzen-Benz (or Lightning-Benz). The driver: Victor Hémery. In 1909 Brooklands racetrack was just two years old, the two banked curves of the oval track were designed for very high speeds, but also imposed limits, for if the speed was excessive there was a risk of becoming airborne. The Blitzen-Benz was especially built for setting speed records. It had an enormous 21.5-litre engine, producing a bellowing roar that made your ears ring. Frenchman Victor Hémery was one of the most successful drivers at that time. After working for Léon Bollée and Darracq, he joined Benz & Cie. as a works driver in 1907. On this day 100 years ago Hémery, after a few trial laps, got the hang of the Blitzen-Benz. Eventually the time measured was 205.666 km/h for the half-mile with a flying start, and 202.648 km/h for the kilometer, faster than any car, aeroplane or rail vehicle before. (text and photos courtesy Daimler AG)

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