Goldenrod Land Speed Race Car, circa 1965

THF244525 / Goldenrod Land Speed Race Car, circa 1965
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Artifact Overview

In November 1965, Californians Bob and Bill Summers set a new land speed record for a wheel-driven automobile when Goldenrod, their bullet-like car, averaged 409.277 miles per hour on the Bonneville Salt Flats. At a time when jet-powered cars were dominant, Goldenrod was powered by four modified Chrysler "Hemi" V-8 engines. The Summers brothers' record stood until 1991.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Photographic print

Subject Date

circa 1965

Collection Title

Location

By Request in the Benson Ford Research Center

Object ID

2005.124.3

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Robert C. Post

Material

Paper (Fiber product)

Technique

Gelatin silver process

Color

Black-and-white (Colors)

Dimensions

Height: 7.0 in
Width: 5.0 in

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    Artifact

    1965 Goldenrod Land Speed Race Car

    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.