John Cobb (motorist)

John Rhodes Cobb (December 2, 1899 - September 29, 1952) was a British racing motorist. He made money as a director of fur brokers Anning, Chadwick and Kiver and could afford to specialise in large capacity motor racing. He was born and lived in Esher, Surrey, near the Brooklands race track.

Related Topics:
December 2 - 1899 - September 29 - 1952 - Anning, Chadwick and Kiver - Esher - Surrey - Brooklands

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He held the ultimate lap record at the track driving the 24 litre Napier Railton at an average speed of 143.44 mph achieved on 7 October 1935

Related Topics:
Napier Railton - 7 October - 1935

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Driving the piston engined, wheel driven Railton Special he

Related Topics:
Piston engined - Railton Special

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broke the Land Speed Record on August 23 1939 at a speed of 350.20 m.p.h. Without this being beaten he raised the record to 394.19 m.p.h. in 1947.

Related Topics:
Land Speed Record - August 23 - 1939 - 1947

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The record was unbeaten until 1963 when it was narrowly surpassed by Craig Breedlove in the jet powered Spirit of America.

Related Topics:
1963 - Craig Breedlove - Jet - Spirit of America

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During World War II he served as a pilot in the Royal Air Force and between 1943 and 1945 in the Air Transport Auxiliary. He reached the rank of Group Captain.

Related Topics:
World War II - Royal Air Force - 1943 - 1945 - Air Transport Auxiliary - Group Captain

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He died attempting to improve the water speed record at Loch Ness in the jet speedboat Crusader at a speed in excess of 200 mph. There is a memorial to him erected by the people of Glenurquhart. He is buried at Christ Church, Esher.

Related Topics:
Water speed record - Loch Ness - Crusader - Glenurquhart

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