The Bonneville Salt Flats in the State of Utah were used by Mormon driver Ab Jenkins in 1932, and later Englishman John Cobb in 1935, to set numerous long-distance records. Sir Malcolm Campbell saw it as an ideal place to reach his goal of 300mph. A 12 mile track was prepared and on 3rd September 1935 Campbell set off in Bluebird on his final record attempt. Despite suffering a burst tyre on the first run, Campbell's average speed was 301.129mph, his ninth Land Speed Record. As a national hero, with his ambition achieved, he withdrew but continued to indulge his love of speed by successfully attacking the World Water Speed Record.

Within two years, another British challenger was on the salt flats. In 1937 Captain George Eyston, holder of numerous class records, decided to try for the big one. The awesome 7 ton Thunderbolt was actually constructed in only six weeks, concealing eight wheels and two Rolls Royce engines totalling 73 litres and 4700 bhp within its aluminium streamlining. After curing recurring clutch trouble, Eyston set a new record of 312.00 mph.

Meanwhile Reid Railton, Bluebird designer from 1931 to 1935, was commissioned by John Cobb to design a new Land Speed Record car. He used two supercharged Napier Lion engines, one driving the front wheels, the other driving the rear wheels, and concentrated on using proper suspension design and weight-saving measures. The impressive design was finished off with a beautiful one-piece detachable body shell.

Eyston's Thunderbolt and Cobb's Railton duelled head-to-head in 1938. Eyston made an impressive start by setting a new record of 345.49 mph. Then Cobb brought out his car for testing, and after two weeks of trials he recorded 350.20 mph. Cobb's record was short-lived, as Eyston returned the following day and achieved 357.50 mph! Cobb returned in 1939 and improved the record to 369.74 mph; the following day Britain declared war on Germany.

Cobb was back in 1947 with the target of 400 mph in mind. On 16th September, he sped to 385.6 mph on his first run, then a much faster 403.1 mph on the return to average 394.196 mph. Then the weather broke and Cobb had to return home. It was to be the swansong for the piston-engined LSR car.

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