Ken Warby's t-shirt
Maker
Speedo International Ltd
Date1970s
Object number00004446
NameShirt
MediumCotton, nylon
DimensionsOverall: 525 mm
Clothing size: 14
Clothing size: 14
ClassificationsClothing and personal items
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Ken Warby
DescriptionThis white t-shirt has been screen printed with the red and blue logo designed for `SPIRIT OF AUSTRALIA the world's fastest boat’. Made by Speedo, the major sponsor of the hydroplane's world water speed record attempts in 1977 and 1978, it is one of many products produced to commemorate SPIRIT OF AUSTRALIA's world record achievement in 1978.HistorySPIRIT OF AUSTRALIA is an Australian designed and built jet-powered, wooden, 3-point hydroplane that has held the world water-speed record since 1977. Breaking both the 300 mph and 500 km/h barriers, SPIRIT OF AUSTRALIA raised the world record to 511kph in 1978 at Blowering Dam near Tumut NSW.
Ken Warby, SPIRIT OF AUSTRALIA's designer, builder and driver, achieved his world water-speed records on a shoestring budget. Warby built his hydroplane over two years in the backyard of his suburban Sydney home, using stringers, brackets, stock bits of timber, plywood, screws, epoxy and a military-surplus jet engine that cost $65. He eventually launched the boat in 1974.
Warby first claimed the world record in 1977, taking his home-made hydroplane to a speed of 464.44 km/h. In 1978 he returned to Blowering Dam in the southern highlands of New South Wales and pushed his record to 511.11 km/h (317.68 mph), where it still stands.
Warby was awarded an MBE (Member of the British Empire) in recognition of his achievement. More information about SPIRIT OF AUSTRALIA's construction, configuration and condition can be found on the Australian Register of Historic Vessels.SignificanceThe shirt is an example of the marketing and memorabilia produced by Speedo to publicise the SPIRIT OF AUSTRALIA world water speed records in 1977 and 1978. It was worn by Ken Warby during his promotional tour of the United States from 1980 to 1981.
