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The Fastest 'Car' in the UK

In the early days of tethered car racing in the UK speeds were increasing on a weekly basis so achievements were noted on the first to reach 60-70-80-90 and then the magic 100mph mark. Gerry Buck with 2A and then Topsy  was first to most of these, apart from 80mph which was down to Leslie Pinder with this highly unconventional design. Leslie was a well established tethered hydro competitor coming in to cars with some very 'lateral' thinking. Unfortunately the design upset many as it was 'not a car', it had an American motor, a spur mounted McCoy and it was faster than anyone else? As so often happens, it was down to the 'if you can't beat it ban it lobby' that Leslie's record breaking run was never recognised.

Firstly it had an American engine, not allowed, but then so did Gerry's 2A that held all existing 10cc records. Bit of a conundrum there, but the clincher was that it only had three wheels so was not a car, a rule that Craig Breedlove fell foul of many years later. So, the fastest car in the UK at the time but never a record holder and a somewhat disgruntled builder.

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