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J.M. White's Triplex Record-setting special with three V12s 1928


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#1 THead

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Posted 15 May 2012 - 15:23

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This is J.M. White's behemoth that actually held the land speed record at of 207.55 mph, to surpass Malcolm Campbell’s 206.95 mph effort,
in 1928 two days before Frank Lockhart was killed. It is powered by three Liberty V-12's with direct drive. This is the best under construction photo
we have ever seen and with it an another photo taken from overhead we have been able to ID some of the components that this monster was
made out of. Stop by The Old Motor where we have many more photos and information and look for your input.

Edited by THead, 15 May 2012 - 17:20.


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#2 f1steveuk

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Posted 15 May 2012 - 15:41

Ah, the "Spirit of Elkdom", a classic case of a sledgehammer and a walnut, when compared to the Stutz Blackhawk.

I think you'll find it surpassed Malcolm Campbell's record, as Donald was only born in 1921!

I have only ever seen six pictures of this car stationary, and there's a fair few modelers who would have killed to see that picture a few years ago. As yet, I have never seen a picture showing the installation of the extra "reversing" axle, fitted to comply with the regulations.

Sadly the car did little for Lee Bible or Mr Traub.

Were they aero, or tank Liberties??

#3 THead

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Posted 15 May 2012 - 17:19

Ah, the "Spirit of Elkdom", a classic case of a sledgehammer and a walnut, when compared to the Stutz Blackhawk.

I think you'll find it surpassed Malcolm Campbell's record, as Donald was only born in 1921!

I have only ever seen six pictures of this car stationary, and there's a fair few modelers who would have killed to see that picture a few years ago. As yet, I have never seen a picture showing the installation of the extra "reversing" axle, fitted to comply with the regulations.

Sadly the car did little for Lee Bible or Mr Traub.

Were they aero, or tank Liberties??


It certainly is a "Sledgehammer". Thanks for catching my typo about Campbell...... It turns out that the front axle and the front frame horns are from a Model 48 Locomobile. The rear axle and wheels and other parts on the car may also be from the same source.
I will go back and see if I can find the photo of the reversing gear that I have seen recently and post it.

The Liberty engines were built for WWI aircraft use here in the states

Edited by THead, 15 May 2012 - 18:22.


#4 arttidesco

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Posted 15 May 2012 - 18:10

Vibration of this sledgehammer at idle must have been akin to a visit to the dentist :eek: As they are well known to say in the USA AWESOME !


#5 THead

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Posted 15 May 2012 - 22:18

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Here is a side view of the ungainly reversing gear that was fitted to the Triplex to satisfy
the AAA representatives enforcement of the need for it, as shown in the Motor Age Magazine.

It is reported to have been driven by a separate drive shaft and after it was demonstrated
it may have been taken off for the speed runs.