- Length: Over 34 feet
- Auction House: RM Sotheby’s
- Seller: Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum
- Recent Sale: Nearly $54 million for a Mercedes-Benz W 196 R Stromlinienwagen
Craig Breedlove redefined speed with his initial Spirit of America, powered by the GE J47 turbojet engine. His incredible 407.447 mph run even inspired the Beach Boys' song Spirit of America. The pursuit of speed was relentless, as rivals like Tom Green and Art Arfons vied for records.
- 1964: Achieved 526.28 mph, breaking the 500 mph barrier at Bonneville Salt Flats.
- Notable Incident: A dramatic five-mile skid due to parachute failure, ending in a lake.
Born from Breedlove's relentless pursuit, the Sonic I was equipped with a GE J79 turbojet, boasting 15,000 pounds of thrust. With features like forged aluminum wheels and disc brakes, it was truly remarkable.
- November 2, 1965: Set a record of 555.48 mph at Bonneville.
- Just Days Later: Arfons recaptured the title, but Breedlove answered back with 600.601 mph, a record that stood for five years.
Owning the Spirit of America Sonic I is not just about owning a car; it's about holding a tangible symbol of American ingenuity and performance. It’s a monumental artifact in the annals of speed history.
Craig Breedlove's Spirit of America Sonic I is on auction, estimated at $500,000 to $1 million. This exceptional vehicle, which reached speeds over 600 mph, encapsulates a pivotal chapter in American automotive history and land speed racing.
