My engineering hobby - September 2016

Going fast on four wheels

When Allan Read isn’t travelling around schools inspiring the next generation of engineers as part of the Bloodhound project, he can be found maintaining classic cars.

Read explains: “As a kid I always loved cars. As I was growing up I went to many motor shows and had been driven around in friends’ classic cars thinking one day I’ll have one. 

“Soon after I found myself working for a car storage company looking after everything from Formula One cars to classic cars and modern supercars. Not only was it an opportunity to get up close and drive them on a daily basis but for me it was about getting to know the owners.” 

Read says that being part of a team that competed in the 2008 Mille Miglia, the Italian open-road endurance race, and restoring a London-to-Brighton car are among the best experiences he’s had. 

Another hobby of his – the world land speed record – helped secure his role in the Bloodhound team. Read explains: “Richard Noble was designing a car called Thrust SSC – it was designed to break the sound barrier. I joined the project via the MACH1 supporters’ club. I started supporting Noble and the team at events up and down the country. In 1997 I went to the Blackrock Desert in America to witness history in the making and play my own small part in it.”

Read has been involved with the Bloodhound project since 2010, visiting schools and universities to inspire young people to study Stem subjects. 

Do you have an interesting engineering-related hobby? Email liz.wells@caspianmedia.com