Supported by Merlo UK and Merlo telehandlers, Thrust SSC set the world land speed record in October 1997. Driven by RAF Pilot Wing Commander Andy Green across the Nevada desert, Thrust SSC achieved a top speed of of 1,228km/h.
Merlo telehandlers were predominantly used during the construction and testing phases of the project, with the team behind Thrust SSC quickly abandoning their chain lift/hoist system for the heavy, cumbersome engines, moving to utilise the ever-versatile Merlo telehandler.
Legend has it that following the speed tests of Thrust SSC, Merlo were able to set the world land speed record for a telehandler at 40km/h!