The legendary Thomas Flatiron Special will return to Brooklands for the first time in more than 80 years to help mark the centenary of Britain’s first Grand Prix on Saturday 8 August.
Designed and built at Brooklands by John Godfrey Parry Thomas, the two Thomas Flatiron Specials were created with a very low centre of gravity to compete at the Surrey circuit.
A 1.5-litre straight-eight engine powers the Flatiron Special and the two cars were expected to take part in Britain’s first Grand Prix in 1926.
However, the two cars did not make the grid, though they did later race at the track and one went on to win a 50-mile handicap race in October 1926. It also went on to set new class records for speed and distance, covering an impressive 112.77 miles in an hour to set a new world record.
Both Flatiron Specials continued to be used after Parry Thomas’ tragic death while trying to raise the Land Speed Record at Pendine Sands in his 27-litre car, Babs.
After the Second World War, one Flatiron Special was scrapped but the remaining car was later restored by Geraint Owen, who said: ‘Emotionally, it is incredibly special to take the Thomas Special back to Brooklands.
‘It’s the first time the car has returned since 1958, and back then it was not even complete with an engine. To see it running again at its birthplace, in its 100th year, is something truly remarkable.’
Alex Patterson, Chief Executive of Brooklands Museum, added: ‘The return of the Thomas Special is a deeply significant moment for Brooklands. This is not just a car coming home – it is a living piece of our engineering heritage. To see it take its place among 100 years of Grand Prix history, alongside modern Formula 1 technology, perfectly captures the spirit of this centenary celebration.’
