Series 1
Series Summary
The series focuses on the history of speed and the intense rivalry between different ships, planes, cars and trains in their bid to be the fastest. Combining stories of technological advance with tales of individual heroism, Speed Machines captures the spirit of an age when speed was all-important.
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Episodes (8)
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The 1930s was a highpoint for ocean-going liners. Crossing the Atlantic by boat was the only way to reach the US, and competition between…
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Back in the 1930s, two giant airlines began to span the globe, flying firstly mail and then passengers around the world. Pan American flew…
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The third episode in the series is set against the golden age of streamlined steam and the rivalry between the East and West Coast railway…
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The fourth episode in the series visits the fast, furious and all-too-often deadly powerboat races of the 1920s and 30s. In the biggest…
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The fifth episode in this incredible series explores one of the greatest contests of speed - the battle to break the sound barrier. Many…
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In the mid 19th century, the world's trade routes were dominated by clippers. These great cargo ships designed with one thing in mind -…
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Famous motoring dynasties Bentley and Mercedes played a key role in the evolution of sports cars and motor racing in the 1920s and 30s…
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The Land Speed Record recalls the titanic battle between Malcolm Campbell and Henry Segrave in the 1920s and 30s. Both Seagrave and…
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