The World of Record-Setting Automobiles

Automotive history was made in 1913 when Henry Ford implemented the assembly line, which helped bring production costs of auto manufacturing down. No longer a plaything of the wealthy, cars became available to the masses, and it was only a matter of time before motorists saw autos as a new opportunity for setting records.

From the inspiring to the revolutionary, here’s a look at some record-setting vehicles.

World’s Best Selling Car

Ford’s assembly line production created employment with steady and fair wages. The Model T was designed with affordability in mind, so much so that even Ford’s factory workers could easily afford to buy one. More than ten thousand cars were sold in its first year, a new record at the time. Henry Ford also set a land-speed record of 91.37 mph — an impressive feat in 1904.

Fastest Production Car in the World

The 1200-bhp Venom GT manufactured by Hennessy Performance Engineering has been dubbed by some as the fastest production car in the world. The Venom is capable of reaching 265.7 miles per hour in only two miles. Road & Track Magazine reports the car sells for $895,000.

Photo of Hennessy Venom GT by Supermac1961 via Wimimedia Commons

The former holder of the title was the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport, which clocked a speed of 268 mph. However, in order to protect its tires from exploding, the car’s speed is limited to only 258 mph, though it is capable of the faster speed.

This created quite a stir at the Guinness Book of World Records. But after review and some word maneuvering, Guinness restored the record to the Bugatti. Top Gear also reports that the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport costs more than two million dollars. High speed comes at a high price.

World’s Longest Drift

Nowadays, there is a world record for nearly anything a car can do. Drifting is one of those things and BMW holds the record for completing the world’s longest drift. What is a drift, you say? Simply put, drifting is intense power sliding and one BMW can do it for 322.5 continuous laps or 51.28 miles, reports Gizmag. The 2013 BMW M5 earned the title, though we wouldn’t recommend you mimic the undertaking if you’re pursuing specials on leasing a BMW, unless you’re ready to pay for a lot of new tires.

Least Expensive Car to Own

Car ownership costs are influenced by purchase price. But over five years, the cost of maintenance, interest on loans, repairs, gas and insurance have to be added to the mix. When all is said and done, Kiplinger Magazine claims that the Nissan Versa S 4dr wins the title of least expensive car to own with a five-year cost of $27,135.

Most Expensive Car to Own

On the flip side, Bankrate calculates the Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series is the most expensive car to operate over five years. A 670-hp twin-turbo V-12 engine powers the car. The two-seater can reach 60 mph in just under four seconds. That statistic is less enticing with an MSRP of $301,750 plus an additional $63,000 in ownership costs over five years, totaling somewhere in the ballpark of $364,471. That’s a staggering $4.86 per mile.

Photo of Mercedes-Benz Sl65 AMG Black Series by Alexandre Prévot via Wikimedia Commons

They say records—like rules—are made to be broken. What do you have your eyes set on?