Brits set steam speed record

A team of British engineers has broken the longest-standing world land speed record in California.

The steam car, called Inspiration, recorded an average speed of 139.843mph at Edwards air base, in the Mojave Desert, smashing the 1906 record of 127mph.

See the steam car world record bid picture gallery

To have the record ratified by the FIA, the Hampshire-based team had to finish two runs in opposite directions, less than an hour apart.

The 25-foot-long, three-tonne car was driven by its main financier Charles Burnett III.

It reached a peak speed of 136.103mph on the first run and 151.085mph on the second.

Burnett said: "I wouldn't like to leave it this close again, it was the last but one day we had to do this.

"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."

The team is due to return home today.

The car will be brought back to England and will end up at the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu, Hampshire.

It is made from a mixture of lightweight carbonfibre composite and aluminium, wrapped around a steel spaceframe chassis and fitted with 12 boilers containing nearly two miles of tubing.

Twitter - follow autocar.co.uk