The current world speed record on a public road was set January 28th, 1938 by Rudolf Caracciola in the Mercedes-Benz W 125 Streamliner. For seventy-five years, the record-breaking 268.9 mph (432.7 kmh) run made on the A5 Autobahn between Frankfurt and Darmstadt has stood the test of time (and sanity).
Rudolf Caracciola, who at that time was the lead racing driver for Mercedes-Benz, achieved the record by hitting a speed of 268.862 mph (432.692 kmh) over one kilometre with a flying start.
