Percy Edgar Lambert (1881 - 31 October 1913) was the first person to drive an automobile a hundred miles in an hour.
Percy Edgar Lambert (1881 - 31 October 1913) was the first person to drive an automobile a hundred miles in an hour.
Percy first raced at Brooklands in 1910 aged 29. He drove a Streamlined Austin called 'Pearly III'. It is said that because of his vehicle's name, he acquired the Nickname 'Pearly Lambert'. It is however more likely that he had the nickname at school, as a result of his 'Pearly White' Teeth. In his short career he became a popular driver, winning seven races and being placed in six more.
He drove a range of vehicles including Austin, Singer, Talbot and Vauxhall marques. As well as being a successful racing driver, Percy also enjoyed winter sports.
Percy and Harold decided to enter vehicle manufacturing and jointly formed the Lambert-Herbert Light Car Company. Their first vehicle was a 10HP 4 Cylinder, that sold for £225.
Lambert was killed at Brooklands on 21 October 1913, while trying to regain his land speed record from Peugeot. He averaged over 110 mph for the first 20 laps but a rear tyre disintegrated on the 21st lap and Percy was killed. Percy died on the way to the Weybridge Cottage Hospital. This happened two weeks before Percy was due to marry his fiancee and give up racing.
You can see Percy here. http://youtu.be/CqXYeSiTp3g
Percy first raced at Brooklands in 1910 aged 29. He drove a Streamlined Austin called 'Pearly III'. It is said that because of his vehicle's name, he acquired the Nickname 'Pearly Lambert'. It is however more likely that he had the nickname at school, as a result of his 'Pearly White' Teeth. In his short career he became a popular driver, winning seven races and being placed in six more.
He drove a range of vehicles including Austin, Singer, Talbot and Vauxhall marques. As well as being a successful racing driver, Percy also enjoyed winter sports.
Percy and Harold decided to enter vehicle manufacturing and jointly formed the Lambert-Herbert Light Car Company. Their first vehicle was a 10HP 4 Cylinder, that sold for £225.
Lambert was killed at Brooklands on 21 October 1913, while trying to regain his land speed record from Peugeot. He averaged over 110 mph for the first 20 laps but a rear tyre disintegrated on the 21st lap and Percy was killed. Percy died on the way to the Weybridge Cottage Hospital. This happened two weeks before Percy was due to marry his fiancee and give up racing.
You can see Percy here. http://youtu.be/CqXYeSiTp3g
great!
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