The world's fastest diesel car, the JCB Diesel Max has joined the world's largest collection of historic British cars at the Heritage Motor Centre in Gaydon this month.
Visitors to the Centre can see this stunning 9-metre long, sleek yellow streamliner, from April through to the beginning of July, while it's on temporary loan from JCB.
In August 2006 the JCB Diesel Max became the world’s fastest diesel when Andy Green drove it to an average speed of 350.092 mph (563.418 km/h), shattering the previous diesel car record of 235.756 mph (379.402 km/h).
The goal was to reach the 350 mph mark. Diesel Max exceeded this speed with ease, with one more gear still to go and ran as fast as 365 mph. The car was driven to the limits of its tyres on the harsh terrain of the Bonneville Salt Flats at Utah. Diesel Max has the potential to run even more quickly and may return one day to set a new diesel car record.
A further vehicle has been added to the Heritage Motor Centre's display, the 1982 Aston Martin Nimrod, which is on long term loan at the Centre. The Nimrod was entered into the 1982 Le Mans race, finishing a very creditable 7th overall, sometimes racing as high as third place and harrying the class leading Porsche 956's. With more good finishes, the Nimrod also took third place in the 1982 World Sports Car Championship.
Stephen Laing, Museum Curator said: "I am delighted that we have been able to add these two cars from two very famous names to the museum display. Despite coming from different eras, both cars demonstrate success in motorsport, technology and endurance at the very highest level."
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