The many records of the Red Devil (UPDATE: about the original)

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His red beard and exceptional driving style gave Camille Jenatzy the nickname Red Devil. An engineer from Belgium, Jenatzy became intrigued when he heard about the Compte de Chasseloup-Laubat who, on December 18, 1898 reached 63 km/h with an electrically driven vehicle. Jenatzy had also designed one and challenged the Compte to a duel. One month later Jenatzy reached a new record speed of 66 km/h. However, only hour later the Compte did better and reached 70 km/h. Ten days later, on January 27, 1899 (today 110 years ago!) Jenatzy took the record back with 80 km/h. The duel went on until Jenatzy constructed a streamlined torpedo, filled it with batteries and became the first to break the 100 km/h barrier with his “Jamais Contente” (never satisfied). During Rétromobile, this year from February 6-15, one of the themes new energies that are more than 100 years old. Among the star exhibits is a recreation of Jenatzy’s vehicle.
UPDATE by Kit Foster and Martin Shelley who both report that the original is to be seen not too far from Paris in Le Musée Chateau Compiegne.

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