This image from the Club archive shows Henry Segrave and the Chief Executive of Dunlop testing the tyres for Segrave’s Land Speed Record attempt in the Golden Arrow.
Designed by J.S.Irving in 1928 the Irving-Napier Golden Arrow was a masterclass in streamlining. The pointed nose and tight cowling, coupled with the W12 Napier Lion VIIA engine, heralded a new age in aerodynamics.
On 11 March 1929, Segrave achieved 231.45 mph at Daytona Beach over a flying mile. Shortly after this record breaking performance, American Lee Bible tried to win back the record in his White Triplex vehicle which crashed, killing the driver and a photographer. Daytona was closed as a result and Segrave was unable to make any further Land Speed Record attempts there.