Ernest Eldridge
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Ernest Eldridge set his World Land Speed record driving "Mefistofele" on a road near Arpajon in France, during a record-setting contest with Renee Thomas. "Mefistofele" was a chain-driven Fiat racing car, lengthened & strengthened, to contain a 21.7 litre Fiat A12 aero engine of 320hp. On 12th July 1924, the Land Speed record was set at 146.01mph over 1Km, and 145.90mph over 1Mile. A new standing-start kilometre record of 85.47mph was also set. At the new French circuit at Montlhery, he won the "Match des Champions" on 12th October 1924, over a 15km distance, driving "Mefistofele", beating Parry-Thomas. Following this, he constructed Eldridge Special racing cars, fitted with a supercharged 4-cylinder 1496cc Anzani engine. During 1925, at the Montlhery circuit, he set Class F records (1101-1500cc), over 5 & 10 kms, 5 & 10 miles, as well as 1 hour and 50 kms. Class E records (1501-2000cc) were added at distances of 1 mile, 5 & 10 kms. The next year, driving a Miller single-seat racer, new records were set over 5 & 10 kms, and 5 miles, at over 120mph. Fitted with a 2 litre engine, records were set over 5 miles & 10 kms, at over 140mph. After an accident whilst driving the Miller, Eldridge became the record attempts manager for George Eyston. However, in 1929, he returned for more sedate records. On 21st March 1929, co-driving a Chrysler Model 72 production car with Kaye Don, a 24-hour record was set at an average speed of 72.5mph. Also in 1929, a 48-hour record for Class G was set, driving a Riley Nine saloon. A 1000 mile record at 65.8mph was also set.
Web Links http://www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ernest_A._D._Eldridge http://www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiat_Mefistofele http://www.uniquecarsandparts.com.au/world_land_speed_record_20.htm |
