Dead Quick
Posted: Mon Apr 10, 2017 2:43 am
An extreme engineer hopes his jet-powered hearse will lay the existing world record to rest.
The souped-up 1992 Ford Cardinal - named Dead Quick - is capable of reaching speeds of 200mph (322kmh), its creator claims.
Matt Mckeown is aiming to smash the current record of 115mph (185kmh).
Mr Mckeown, who already holds the Guinness World Record for riding a jet-propelled shopping trolley, is taking the hearse for its maiden spin later.
He said he has "never driven it before" but will be testing it out at Cheltenham's Prescott Hill Climb.
Mr McKeown bought Dead Quick after it was retired from active service last year.
Since then, he said, the vehicle has been given a "new lease of life", with an ex-RAF jet powered provost engine, racing seat and roll cage.
"A hearse makes a perfect shape for a land speed vehicle it's aerodynamic, long, thin, steady with a wedge back end," said Mr McKeown.
"Dead Quick's good for 200mph but this is a work in progress. We've got another more powerful engine we can put in but we're going to engineer all the suspension and brakes first and then we'll go for more power."
