Rare Fiat land speed record car set for Goodwood

A rare Fiat land speed record car will turn a wheel for the first time in 100 years when it tackles the Goodwood hill during the Festival of Speed in June.

The monstrous 28.5-litre Fiat S76 was produced by the Italian motor company with the aim of snatching both the flying kilometre and flying mile records from the ‘Blitzen’ Benzes in the pioneering land speed record era prior to World War 1.

The S76 was successful in achieving the mile record with Pietro Bordino behind the wheel at Saltburn Sands in Yorkshire. It later completed a 135mph run in the flying kilometre at Ostend, Belgium.

It was quick enough to break the record, but the achievement wasn’t officially recognised because it was unable to complete a return run within the specified hour.

Only two S76s were made but one was dismantled at the outbreak of WW1 to prevent rival manufacturers obtaining its technical secrets.

The other ended up in Australia, before arriving in the UK in 2003, when Bristol-based enthusiast Duncan Pittaway reunited the car with the original 28.5-litre, four-cylinder motor from the dismantled car.

Pittaway will drive the car at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, which takes place from 26 to 29 June.

Read Autocar's history of the Land Speed Record.

Kieren Booty