The SpeedLiner started out as a fuel tank for a Canadian VooDoo bomber. (Photo: Spectre Performance)
After two years of research and development and two weeks of grueling 20-hour days, the Spectre Performance SpeedLiner is officially in the record books as the fastest Cadillac and Blown Gas Streamliner on Earth.
Competing in the Southern California Timing Association) AA/BGS class for streamlined vehicles running on gasoline, the Cadillac-powered SpeedLiner averaged 330.9 mph over the course of two runs with veteran driver Kenny Hoover at the wheel.
"To say that I'm thrilled is a gross understatement," said Amir Rosenbaum, Spectre Performance founder and SpeedLiner owner. "The fact that we showed up in essentially an all-new car with an iron block Cadillac engine, went over 280 mph during the shakedown run, posted a record speed during the second run and backed up the record on the third run is simply incredible.
“Our driver Kenny Hoover did a fantastic job under enormous pressure and showed incredible skill behind the wheel. I also want to thank Steve Schmalz and the rest of the crew at Performance Fabrication for building such a refined car. This was a team effort and I can't wait to come back next year. I want to break our own record and the 400 mph barrier."
The SpeedLiner made its first shakedown run on Oct. 10, surprising both witnesses and the crew with an incredible 287 mph first pass that ended at the three-mile mark (on a five-mile course), when Hoover shut the car down after the fire system malfunctioned.
Less than 24 hours later, the car was cleaned up and ready to run again, and its second pass on the legendary Salt Flat wowed hit a record-setting 328 mph average speed. In accordance with SCTA rules, the car was then immediately taken to impound and inspected, where it remained until the final "backup run" Sunday morning.
