For all those times when you must’ve thought to yourself, “man, I wish I had one of those supersonic cars,” now’s your chance. You’ll get the entire project to oversee and, hopefully, carry right into the history books.
All jokes aside, a historic car is looking for a fresh cash infusion, which would also translate into a change in ownership. The Bloodhound LSR supersonic car, currently owned by Ian Warhurst’s UK-based Grafton LSR Ltd, is on the market again, for the second time in under three years.
Warhurst bought the project in 2018 and, just one year later, was able to take it to a top speed of 628 mph (1,010 kph) in the Kalahari desert. While this made the Bloodhound one of the fastest cars in the world, it wasn’t enough to break the previous (and still-standing) land speed record of 763 mph (1,228 kph) set by Andy Green in 1997.
The initial plan was to prepare the Bloodhound LSR (Land Speed Record) for an 800 mph (1,287 kph) test run, which would serve a double function: set a new world record and lay the ground for the ultimate goal, that of reaching 1,000 mph (1,609 kph). This should happen in 2022, but the unexpected developments of 2020 have prompted Warhurst to sell the project.
The reason is simple; he tells the BBC the project needs more cash, because the Bloodhound needs an extra rocket engine, in addition to the current Rolls-Royce EJ200 Eurofighter-Typhoon jet engine, to make that successful test run and break the record. Norwegian aerospace company Nammo is in talks to supply it. The future owner or sponsor should act quickly, Warhurst says: in order for the test run to stay on schedule, the deal must be finalized no later than Easter.
Assuming push comes to shove, Warhurst says Plan B involves donating the Bloodhound to a museum, so at least people will be able to see it in person. “But really, the record is there for the taking,” he adds.
That may very well be the case, but for that to happen, an additional £8 million ($11 million at today’s exchange rate) is necessary. Despite the high amount, not all hope is lost. “I'm still feeling very bullish about this. Bloodhound is not dead yet,” driver Andy Green tells the media outlet.
Elena has been writing for a living since 2006 and, as a journalist, she has put her double major in English and Spanish to good use. She covers automotive and mobility topics like cars and bicycles, and she always knows the shows worth watching on Netflix and friends. Full profile
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