A British team has steamed through a century-old land speed record at an air base in the California desert.
In a steam-powered vehicle dubbed "the world's fastest kettle", they yesterday managed an average of 139.8mph (225kmh) over two runs at Edwards Air Force base in the Mojave Desert - shattering the previous 127mph record for steam-powered cars.
This had stood since 1906, when American race driver Fred Marriott was clocked at over 127mph.
Built in Lymington, Hampshire, the 25ft long British Steam Car Challenge vehicle - named Inspiration - is powered by Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG).
It uses no fewer than 12 boilers to produce superheated steam at 400 Celsius, which is used to drive a turbine at 13,000 revolutions a minute that in turn sends power to the wheels.
The team were forced to try for the record in America because the UK lacked the 7-miles of straight track needed to hit top speed.
Principle driver and main financial backer Charles Burnett III said: "The car really did handle beautifully.
"The team has worked extremely hard over the last 10 years and overcome numerous problems.
"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."
