Percy E. Lambert
Encyclopedia
Percy Edgar Lambert was the first person to drive an automobile a hundred miles in an hour.
on 15 February 1913 when driving his 4.5 litre sidevalve Talbot. He actually covered 103 miles and 1470 yards in sixty minutes. There is a film of his exploits at the Brooklands Museum
which was made on that day.
, London
.
His Epitaph read: A modest friend, a fine gentleman and a thorough sportsman. The first man to cover 100 miles in one hour. Killed by accident at Brooklands Motor Racing Track whilst attempting further records.
On his final record-breaking attempt, Percy Lambert covered 20 laps (not 120, as currently stated) before his rear tyre burst, sending the car out of control and causing his death.
World record
The record was set at BrooklandsBrooklands
Brooklands was a motor racing circuit and aerodrome built near Weybridge in Surrey, England. It opened in 1907, and was the world's first purpose-built motorsport venue, as well as one of Britain's first airfields...
on 15 February 1913 when driving his 4.5 litre sidevalve Talbot. He actually covered 103 miles and 1470 yards in sixty minutes. There is a film of his exploits at the Brooklands Museum
Brooklands Museum
Brooklands Museum is an independent charitable trust, established in 1987, whose aim is to conserve, protect and interpret the unique heritage of the Brooklands site. It is located south of Weybridge, Surrey and was first opened regularly in 1991 on of the original 1907 motor-racing circuit...
which was made on that day.
Death
Lambert was killed at Brooklands on 31 October 1913, while trying to regain his land speed record from Peugeot. He averaged over 110 mph for the first 120 laps but a rear tyre disintegrated and Percy was killed. This happened two weeks before Percy was due to marry his fiancee and give up racing.Burial
He was buried in a streamlined coffin to match his car at Brompton CemeteryBrompton Cemetery
Brompton Cemetery is located near Earl's Court in South West London, England . It is managed by The Royal Parks and is one of the Magnificent Seven...
, London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
.
His Epitaph read: A modest friend, a fine gentleman and a thorough sportsman. The first man to cover 100 miles in one hour. Killed by accident at Brooklands Motor Racing Track whilst attempting further records.
On his final record-breaking attempt, Percy Lambert covered 20 laps (not 120, as currently stated) before his rear tyre burst, sending the car out of control and causing his death.