Engineering:Fiat Mephistopheles

Mephistopheles
Mephistopheles
Overview
Manufacturer	Fiat
Production	1923
Assembly	Arpajon, France
Designer	Ernest Eldridge
Body and chassis
Class	Land speed record
Body style	Open-Wheeler
Layout	Front Engine, RWD
Related	Fiat SB4
Powertrain
Engine	21,706 cc (1,324.6 cu in) Fiat A.12 Inline 6
Power output	320 PS (315.6 hp; 235.4 kW) @ 1,800 rpm ; 2,390 N⋅m (1,762.8 lbf⋅ft)
Transmission	4-speed Manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	3,683 mm (145.0 in)
Length	5,112 mm (201.3 in)
Width	1,766 mm (69.5 in)
Height	1,666 mm (65.6 in)
uk\|uk\|Kerb\|Curb}} weight	3,175 kg (6,999.7 lb)
Chronology
Predecessor	Fiat SB4
Successor	Fiat S61

Eldridge broke the World Land Speed Record on 12 July 1924 with the Mephistopheles,^[1] by driving at 234.98 km/h (146.0 mph) in Arpajon, France. The last car to set a land speed record on a public road.^[2]

The Mephistopheles was created by combining the chassis of the 1908 Fiat SB4 with a 6-cylinder, 21.7 L (21,706 cc) Fiat A.12 aeroplane engine producing 320 PS (235 kW; 316 bhp).^[3]

Mephistopheles was restored over 5 years, with another example of the same engine, and returned in 2011 with a display at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.^[4]^[5]^[6]