Triumph GT6 Mk3 C/BFMS Bonneville 2010/2012 #1768 Copeland

Triumph GT6 Mk3 C/BFMS Bonneville 2010/2012 #1768 Copeland by Autocult

The Red Hunter   Keith Copeland‘s world record car was based on a 1971 Triumph GT 6 MK 3. But the antiquated technique could no longer be used for a car that attempted for the highest speed in 2012.   According to the imaginations of the ambitious record chaser, the roof was lowered by impressive 5 inches. An elongated hood, which was pulled down almost to the ground and also enclosed the front wheels ensured a minimal air resistance. The wheelbase was extended by the front addition to 130 inches, just under 3.3 meters – the original wheelbase was just over 2 meters.   In order to set a new speed record, Keith Copeland replaced the venerable Triumph 6-cylinder with a 5.9-liter 360ci engine – Brodix-small-block – from the former production of Chevrolet. For the engine tuning, he relied on the capabilities of the company Moran-Motorsports. They elicited up to 2,200hp from the engine by a twin turbocharger, injection with methanol, and cooling with ice water. Contrary to the Triumph’s specifications, the power was not transmitted from the rear axle to the ground – specifically to the salt crust in Bonneville, Utah - , but from the front axle.   In 2010 and October 2012, Keith Copeland pushed his red-painted world record hunter onto the salt lake in Bonneville. In 2012 he succeeded with 380 mph his top speed. The average value for the return run (going and returning) stated 364,051 mph and was officially approved and henceforth stood for a new world record in the annals.