In 1908 the fastest car in the world was not powered by the internal combustion engine or an electric battery, but the Stanley Steamer Woggle Bug. This steam-driven speedster was piloted by Fred Marriott who traveled a measure mile on Daytona Beach at 127.66 miles per hour. A year later Louis S. Ross the company owner attempted to reach 180 MPH, but beach conditions caused a horrible accident. Fred Marriott was in a terrible state with his eye popped from the socket. According to http://saltofamerica.com a Dr. Parks of South Boston put back the eye and later perfect sight was restored.
Every spectator that day said they had never seen anything ever travel that fast.
180 in 1909.
Back then fast was fast.
