The primary tool in this assault on physics was a 24 litre aircraft engine, the Napier Lion. As well as looking epic, the front grille fed masses of cool air the radiator to keep the Lion roaring. The Railton still holds the lap record at Brooklands with an average speed of 143MPH.
The Railton was capable of 168MPH which must have been colourful with only rear drum brakes. Later in its life the Railton was modified for service as an experimental vehicle for testing parachutes. How a 2 tonne car got all four wheels off the ground on a heavily banked course is anyones guess, but it was probably quite exhilarating.
The reason it got its wheels off the ground was the infamous "Bridge bump"!
ReplyDeleteWhen they built the track it was necessary to cross the river Wey at the end of the Members banking. To this end a banking shaped bridge was made but alas not too well and it settled. In the end a height difference of nearly six inches! Can you imagine hitting that at 150mph? I have stood on the top of that position before it was demolished and it is frightening to just look at it let alone drive over it.
The seven arch bridge was named 'Hennebique' after its designer and the first built in fero-concrete.