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'Ken Warby's Thunda from Down Under'

Maker Ken Warby (1939 - 2023)

Date1988

Object number00014701

NamePoster

MediumColour offset printed on paper

DimensionsOverall: 960 x 690 mm, 0.2 kg

ClassificationsPosters and postcards

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Ken Warby

Terms

DescriptionA poster titled 'Ken Warby's Thunda from Down Under' depicting a monster truck with jets of fire issuing forth from exhaust pipes running up the cabin sides and autographed by Ken Warby.HistoryAfter Ken Warby set the world water speed record in 1978 he took up racing jet engine dragsters in Australia and the United States and it was here, in partnership with fellow Australian racer Sue Ransom, that Warby created a high speed and action packed show they called "Thunder From Downunder". In addition to entertaining large crowds, Warby also managed to set new speed records whilst on tour. However by the end of 1987 Warby had tired of the jet cars and moved onto the much larger jet trucks, as seen in this promotional poster. The rebuilt Ford truck was six tonnes and could reach speeds of 338 km/h. Yet after around four years of the performing circuit, Warby stopped driving and opened a concrete mixing business in Cincinnati. SignificanceThis poster relates to Ken Warby's life after he set the world water speed record in 1978. He took his passion for speed off the water and onto land racing jet cars and later huge jet engined trucks.