The Gyronaut X-1 was a streamlined motorcycle powered by two Triumph engines. The bike was built by Bob Leppan, Alex Tremulis and Jim Bruflodt in the 1960s and it became one one of the most dominant land speed racing vehicles of its day. The machine owned the all out record for streamlined motorcycles for several years through the middle 1960s and right up until a 1970 wreck mangled it and hospitalized rider Bob Leppan. While the bike was not fixed during that time frame, the complete remnants of the machine were held by Leppan with the long term goal of getting it back together and back to the salt. Amazingly, that is going to happen this year. The Gyronaut X-1 will once again roll tires at Bonneville some 33 years after the crash that ended its career.
There is an amazing story in this machine. The body was designed by the legendary Alex Tremulis and Tremulis was very much involved in racing the machine. It wasn’t a deal where Tremulis made some drawings and then walked away, he would be there with the guys at Bonneville wrenching and doing whatever else they needed. Alex Tremulis was involved in projects like the Tucker and is a true legend in American automotive design. He was an early adopter in the value of streamlining and many people believe that his work with the Gyroaut X-1 was a driving factor in that.
This eight minute video tells the story better than we ever could. We plan on hunting down Leppan and his machine for a full feature soon to be seen here on BangShift. Watch the video below for an awesome education into one of the most legendary motorcycles in land speed racing history.
PRESS PLAY BELOW FOR AN AMAZING LESSON IN LAND SPEED RACING HISTORY WITH LOTS OF OLD FOOTAGE AND COOL STUFF!
Gyronaut X-1 Restoration Preview from GreeneHouse Creative on Vimeo.
Super cool! I wish them all the luck in the world. I can’t make Speed Week, but I hope I get to see this thing in person soon.