The Museum of British Road Transport's new Spirit of Speed gallery houses the actual land speed record cars Thrust2 and ThrustSSC.
Record-breakers
Thrust2 broke the sound barrier in 1983 at a speed of 653mph and its sister car ThrustSSC became the first car to break the sound barrier on land in October 1997.
It smashed Thrust2's record, setting a new speed of 763 mph.
Simulation technology
| Μύ |  | The record-breaking ThrustSCC
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The new gallery not only gives visitors a chance to see these phenomenal vehicles and to learn about the quest for land speed records, but also gives them a chance to see how these high speeds feel.
The exhibition uses the latest simulation technology to enable visitors to experience a run in ThrustSSC. But this is no theme park ride.
ThrustSSC driver Andy Green has himself been involved in the design and content helping to develop motion and visuals.
The result accurately recreates a real moment in history - when ThrustSSC broke the sound barrier.
Throughout the gallery the museum have worked closely not only with Andy Green but Richard Noble and the ThrustSSC team, to create a unique and authentic experience for visitors.
Complete experience
| Μύ |  | Glynn Bowsher, chief designer
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The new gallery consists of a number of exciting elements. It starts with an audiovisual show telling the story of the land speed record up to ThrustSSC, featuring a dramatic reveal of Thrust2.
Visitors then move through into the pit station used as desert control centre for ThrustSSC's record breaking bid. Here, they can watch video interviews with members of the ThrustSSC team telling the stories of their role in ThrustSSC's success.
| Μύ |  | Andy Green and Richard Noble
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There then follows an opportunity to experience a supersonic run in ThrustSSC and another audiovisual show of ThrustSSC's dramatic drive across Black Rock. ThrustSSC itself can then be seen close-up.
For those with more technical interests, there is an opportunity to see interviews with the key team members responsible for design and development.
Thanks to the grant
| Μύ |  | The record-breaking ThrustSCC
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Spirit of Speed has been made possible thanks to a significant level of grant aid. The Heritage Lottery Fund awarded the museum Β£174,000 towards the gallery.
This was in addition to their earlier grant of Β£510, 000 towards the purchase of the vehicle. The European Regional Development Fund also supported the gallery with a grant of Β£76,000 towards the display. The new gallery is just part of a wider Β£4m investment in the museum due for completion in autumn 2003.
Virtual tour
Enjoy a virtual tour of the Museum of British Road Transport by following the link on the left. Our cameras will let you explore and get a real feel for the museum.
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