Flash Back. Glenn Curtis 1907 World Land Speed Record Machine.

Thursday January 24, 1907 in Ormond Beach, Florida. Glenn Curtis climbs aboard his 280 pounds V8 motorcycle. After 2 miles the machine reaches its top speed and is clocked at 136.3 mph, covering a mile in 25 1/4 seconds. He became the world’s fastest man and his land speed record held 11 years until a Blitzen Benz car reached the speed of 141 mph. Glenn built numerous engines and was also a plane pilot. He became an american hero who inspired popular books like “Tom Swift and His Motor-Cycle”, “The Adventures of Tom Swift” and “Fun and Adventures on the Road”. Glenn’s bike is preciously kept at the Smithsonian Museum.

11 Responses to “Flash Back. Glenn Curtis 1907 World Land Speed Record Machine.”


  1. 1 Kemper Oct 12th, 2010 at 11:04 am

    Looking much better than OCC electric drag bike.

  2. 2 David Oct 12th, 2010 at 3:20 pm

    what a ruler, his planes were amazing as well

  3. 3 daddyeo Oct 12th, 2010 at 4:55 pm

    Genius knows no bounds.

  4. 4 martin Twofeather Oct 13th, 2010 at 10:29 am

    This is great……….

  5. 5 Larry R Oct 13th, 2010 at 11:19 am

    Thanks for the info. Cyril. Glenn Curtis was truly a great man and inventor.

  6. 6 Blue Oct 14th, 2010 at 3:57 am

    And Sturgis wouldn’t be Sturgis if Curtis hadn’t invented the Adams Bungalo! 😉

  7. 7 Lyle Oct 14th, 2010 at 7:52 am

    Or the motorcycle twist grip.

  8. 8 Slantartist Oct 16th, 2010 at 6:54 pm

    Always thought this story was worthy of a sculpture!

  9. 9 Paul d'Orleans Oct 18th, 2010 at 8:33 am

    Glenn Curtiss had steel balls; even though his handlebars were better braced than his frame, 23 years passed before his record was broken.
    I wrote a little more bio on him on my website:
    http://thevintagent.blogspot.com/2009/05/barn-find-1909-curtiss.html
    And Jeff, I’d love to see you sculpt that V-8!

  10. 10 maroco Oct 19th, 2010 at 7:15 am

    Amazing bike, the motorcycle pioners are incredible people, lots of adversitis and they don´t give up.

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