Duncan Pittaway made history today by firing up one of the largest-engined 4 cylinder cars ever built which was constructed by Fiat for a Land Speed Record attempt in 1911.This was the first time anyone has heard or seen this monster in action in over 100 years ! The heroic project has been a challenge of monumental proportions and the success is a huge credit to Duncan and his team who have triumphed over a multitude of difficulties during the last twelve years.

The stories of the original LSR attempts over 100 years ago are legendary and reported elsewhere but here is a brief specification of the car:

28.4 litres, 4 cylinder Land Speed Record car. 1911. 290 b.h.p. at 1,100 rpm.

Torque 1,384 lbs/ft . 1,876 Nm.

Bore: 190 mm. Stroke: 250 mm. 28,353 cc.

Wheelbase 2.75 m. (9ft 1/4"). Weight 1,900 kg.

Double chain drive.

2 cars produced

The engine has no starter motor, thus each 7 litre cylinder has to be hand-aspirated with fuel mixture and then detonated on the correct piston, after it has begun its downward stroke, by a small battery-operated trembler coil which produces a shower of high voltage sparks. The man on the crank handle needs to stand well clear at that point !

It is reported that compressed air was used in another method in contemporary days.

Turn the sound up for added thunder !