Mickey Thompson: Fastest Man on Wheels

Mickey Thompson roared out of the hot rodding world of Southern California to become the "Fastest Man on Wheels," when his Pontiac powered Challenger One broke the 400 mph mark at the Bonneville Salt Flats.

This didn't become an official record because of difficulties he encountered on a second run. The speed authorities require a second run and take the average for the record books. This promotional film captures the drama of his attempt.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• Mickey Thompson
• Judy Thompson
• bonneville salt flats
• land speed record
• challenger one
• auto

[FSTORNG]

I Got see this car in person. An amaizing machine, built by an amaizing person. It is currently on display in the NHRA Museum in Pomona, CA.

[mrpitv]

@FSTORNG I'll have to go check it out.  Thanks for letting us know.

[ArsenalKbca]

Excelente video! Isso é História... tem muita gente que precisa ver isso....

It has some video of Victor Edelbrock in races?

[folkblues25]

I used to have a 1981 rally car top trumps,one of the cars was a Baja Machine called the Thompson Special.I was only young and I always wondered why it was called that-now i know.A true legend.

[speedskiff2]

credit that Pontiac wagon dragging 7,000 lbs out and back and acting as push vehicle.

[rebelman364]

mickey thompson made aero dynamic cars popular, he made mickey thompson wrinkle wall tires for traction, hes a genius, so fuck off

[mrpitv]

@oldmusher Unfortunately, one of his engines blew on the return run. so it's not an official speed record but everyone gave him credit.

[oldmusher]

@Perranporth He didn't get the record! He set the one way record. The actual record was 403. something. Then....HE NEVER RAN IT AGAIN. WTF???

[OzzInter]

World Land Speed record CHALLENGER arrives at Bonneville on an open toptrailer!

Modifications made to the car, on site.

Mickey Thompson was true hot rodder!

Great to see this great old footage!

[jakearoo92]

@pattersonfour

cool. ill ask him if he knows your grandpa. thats my grandpa at 1:56 holding the board.