NEGATIVE. The "American Spirit" never made a CLASS A LSR RUN. Before the rain-out it DID make runs in the lower classes. It just wasn't able to challenge the all-out Land Speed Record. There was a 407.45 mph speed recorded -- enough to break the Class B (305-488 CID) record, but not fast enough to break the Class A (Unlimited) record. I don't know who (if anyone) keeps records other than the Class A absolute top speed record. Bob Summers' top speed was officially 409.277 mph. Breedlove broke the Class B record by 61.695 mph, but really wanted the Class A record. I have the specs on the engines for all three classes the car ran (B, C, and D) in an official AMC press release. The info for breaking the class B record WITH THE PISTON ENGINED CAR comes from a Shell gasoline ad in late 68 or early 69 (or was it Champion plugs? I'm looking for the ad now!). It CLEARLY states the speed and CLASS B record. I know this isn't the Class A LSR, but it's still an officially recorded 407.45 mph speed. I am incorrect on using the nose for the "Spirit of America". I got that part turned around -- tha design of the "American Spirit" was based on the "Spirit of America" design, I don't know if any parts were interchanged -- most likely not. -- Frank Swygert Publisher, "American Independent Magazine" (AIM) For all AMC enthusiasts http://farna.home.att.net/AIM.html (free download available!) -------------- Original message ---------------------- > > The "American Spirit" was a (slightly obscure, overshadowed by Breedlove's > > later attempts in rocket and jet cars) land speed record attempt by Breedlove > > with AMC as a sponsor. They broke the Class B record by going 407 mph with a > > sleeved 390 block. I made a post that got lost, apaprently, will have to > > retype the particulars and try again! This was in a three wheeled car that > > Breedlove built. The forward fuselage was later used for the jet powered > > "Spirit of America". > Date: Sat, 03 Dec 2005 02:35:28 -0500 > Subject: RE: Back Sliding/Land Speed Records > To: mail@xxxxxxxxxxxx > > Ken, you are right that the American Spirit never made a record run. > > I think Frank may have been confused with Craig's LSR run of 407 mph on Aug. 5, > 1963, in the Spirit of America, powered by a J-47 jet engine. > > Regarding Internal combustion engine wheel-driven LSR's of that era, on Nov. 15, > 1965, Bob Summers drove his "Golden Rod", equipped with (4) Chrysler engines to > a wheel-driven LSR @ Bonneville of 409 mph. > > This was the record Breedlove was trying to beat with the American Motors wheel > driven streamliner, the "American Spirit". The American Spirit was powered by a > modified fuel-injected, supercharged 390. Unfortunately, due to bad weather, > both ends of the 10 mile course were under water, so Craig was not able to even > challenge the record. <snip> > So unfortunately, due to bad weather, mudslides, etc., there is still no > certified Land Speed Record of 200 mph or more by an AMC. Over the years I have > had the honor of speaking with Craig Breedlove at various car shows. Craig > Breedlove has always been a hero of mine, and when I asked him, Craig Breedlove > signed the glove box of my 69 BBB 390 4sp AMX with a black sharpie pen. You can > see pictures of Craigs signature on my AMX that I posted over at the AMC Forum. > Sincerely, Pat South Bay AMX Club