JCB Dieselmax
The world record-breaking journey
The JCB Dieselmax didn’t just break the world record for a diesel-powered car, it smashed it – taking the record from 237mph to 350mph. JCB’s amazing team set the record in August 2006, and the Dieselmax still retains the title as the fastest diesel-powered vehicle ever built.
As we approach the 20th anniversary of the JCB Dieselmax land speed record, take a look back at this impressive achievement.
JCB Dieselmax 10 Year Anniversary Film
Key stats
The speed
The JCB Dieselmax car broke the previous diesel land speed record of 235.756mph, which had stood since 1973, with a whopping 350mph.
The location
JCB took the Dieselmax JCB to Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, USA, where conditions were ideal for the run out.
The driver
The legend Andy Green OBE, also known as the fastest man on earth, a British Royal Air Force Wing Commander, was the driver – and he was integral in achieving the JCB speed record.
The innovators behind it all
The JCB Dieselmax speed record was a huge feat for the team – and, behind the scenes, it was a hard won record that took 21 months of endless commitment from the specially created ‘Project H1’ team.
Just 12 months into his job as Group Engineering Director, Dr Tim Leverton found himself tasked with becoming Project Director of the JCB land speed world record attempt. The team quickly expanded to 35 people from JCB - including engineers, manufacture specialists and vehicle designers.
This project tested all of their skills and knowledge to the limit – But Dr Tim couldn’t be prouder. He said “Over a 48 year career in engineering, people ask me what’s your best project – and it was this. Initially, the Chairman [Lord Bamford] had a dream, but one by one we all appropriated that dream for ourselves.”
Why diesel?
Diesel engines are known for being able to handle very high boost pressures, produce massive torque and be extremely robust under stress – so choosing diesel was a no brainer for the JCB land speed record. This project was really about showing the capabilities of the JCB444 diesel engine.
The Dieselmax had twin JCB444 engines, boosted to generate five times the output of the standard unit. These 750 horsepower engines combined with the four-wheel-drive got JCB to the record.
Dr Tim said, “No one expected JCB to do this, and I think the Chairman [Lord Bamford] saw it as an inspiring way to promote our entry into the engine manufacture. It was a heck of a way to do it, but it demonstrated the extreme performance of the machine and caught the attention of the world.”
Bringing the speed to life
The JCB Dieselmax streamliner is in a completely different speed category – so let’s see how it compares to other diesel vehicles.
Diesel Tractor
Average speed – 40mph
Diesel Locomotive
Average speed – 125mph
Diesel Car
Max speed – 170mph
Dieselmax
Max speed – 350mph