Coventry Transport Museum is set to celebrate 40 years since one of its exhibits, Thrust 2, broke the land speed record.
On October 4 velocity fans will have the opportunity to visit the museum and meet the team and the brains behind the land speed record breaker.
The date marks 40 years since pilot Richard Noble raced through the Nevada desert and reached 633.468mph – a world record until it was broken by one of his later models, Thrust SSC, in 1997.
With Thrust 2 now sitting proudly on display as part of the museum’s Land Speed Gallery, the venue is getting ready to celebrate the forty year anniversary of one its star attraction’s famous achievement.
Mr Noble, who was not only at the wheel of Thrust 2 but was also a driving force behind the project, will take part in a question and answer session as well as a book signing.
The event will see Mr Noble joined by his team of specialist engineers who worked on the famous project four decades ago and who will also take questions.
Those attending get reduced prices for the Thrust simulator and the opportunity to meet Mr Noble and the team behind the project.
Steve Spencer, who is the manager at the Transport Museum, said: “Thrust 2 is one of our star attractions which sees visitors from all over the world coming to the museum.
“So it felt like a really good opportunity to celebrate the anniversary of such an important exhibit.
“We’re excited Richard Noble and the Thrust team will be joining us for the celebration. I am sure there will be some fascinating insights shared about the project and the day the record was broken.”
Mr Noble said: “I’m thrilled the British Project Thrust team will be celebrating the 40th anniversary of breaking the FIA transonic World Land Speed Record at Coventry Transport Museum.
“The FIA World Land Speed Record is the preeminent motor sport challenge event requiring extraordinary levels of innovative research and team professionalism.
“Operating in the dangerous transonic/supersonic speed range, such is the level of risk that driver survival is not assured .
“Unusually in motor sport events success is dependent on the qualities of the team members and not on financial muscle .
“So the Thrust 2 record was a considerable achievement. The project was a new team with no money and starting from an almost zero experience base. The team had to work its way through American weather challenges, financial challenges and a 300mph accident during UK testing.
“Despite this the car achieved its design speed which made it one of the most successful land speed record cars of all time.”
The event begins just after 1pm with a Q&A session. Those attending can then have a look around the museum or enjoy reduced prices on the Thrust simulator before Mr Noble will do a book signing from 2.15pm.
The event is included within the usual museum entry fees. You can book admission tickets online at https://www.transport-museum.com. Entry is free for GoCV card holders.
Though the event is included with admission price, you still need to book your spot. Places are limited, so it is recommended you book early to avoid disappointment.
Book your place by clicking here.