1965 Goldenrod Land Speed Race Car
Add to SetSummary
On November 12, 1965, Goldenrod streaked across Utah's Bonneville Salt Flats at 409.277 miles per hour, setting a new land speed record for wheel-driven cars. Builders Bob and Bill Summers powered Goldenrod with four massive Chrysler V-8 engines. Although other car builders copied its sleek design, Goldenrod held the record until 1991.
On November 12, 1965, Goldenrod streaked across Utah's Bonneville Salt Flats at 409.277 miles per hour, setting a new land speed record for wheel-driven cars. Builders Bob and Bill Summers powered Goldenrod with four massive Chrysler V-8 engines. Although other car builders copied its sleek design, Goldenrod held the record until 1991.
Artifact
Racing car
Date Made
1965
Subject Date
12 November 1965
Creators
Place of Creation
United States, California, Ontario
Creator Notes
Made by Bill and Bob Summers, Summers Brothers, Inc., in Ontario, California, with engines from the Chrysler Corporation.
On Exhibit
at Henry Ford Museum in Driven to Win: Racing in America
Object ID
2002.103.1
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Aluminum
Metal
Plastic
Rubber (Material)
Technique
Customizing
Color
Black (Color)
Gold (Color)
Orange (Color)
Dimensions
Length: 3.75 in (Stroke)
Diameter: 4.25 in (Bore)
Length: 32 ft
Height: 48 in (At top of tailfin)
Width: 48 in
Horsepower: 2400 hp (1789.68 kW)
Weight: 6000 lbs (Total)
Inscriptions
Logo on side: SUMMER / S / BROTHERS On side, between logo and American flag: GOLDENROD In script print on side of cockpit panel: BOB
Specifications
Make & Model: 1965 Goldenrod (land speed racing)
Maker: Bob and Bill Summers, Riverside, California
Engine: Four Chrysler V-8s, hemispherical combustion chambers, overhead valves, 426 cubic inches each
Transmission: Two Spicer 5-speed manuals with first gear removed, simultaneous shifting via special Hurst shifter
Height: 42 inches to top of tail fin, 28 inches to top of engine hood
Width: 48 inches
Wheelbase: 207 inches
Overall length: 384 inches
Weight: 8000 pounds
Horsepower: 2400 at 6700 revolutions per minute
Pounds per horsepower: 3.3
Competition History: Set the record for wheel-driven vehicles at 409.277 miles per hour at Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. The record stood for 26 years. Driver: Bob Summers.
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