Buy a copy of Mel's historic 141mph charge in a Ford Falcon GT-H0

| 30 Nov 2011

One of the most famous images in Australian motoring history has been released as a limited-edition – of 141 – signed print. Overwhelming demand since its issue has prompted the supplier to promise that a cheaper, unsigned version will be coming soon.

The photo shows former C&SC and Haymarket editorial director Mel Nichols blasting along the Hume Highway in Victoria, in a Cleveland V8-powered Ford Falcon GT-HO Phase III.

The tacho reads 6600rpm (although the car had long since hit the limiter at 6150rpm), while the speedo is recording 141mph (hence the number or prints being offered).

For the print, the needles have been subtly highlighted and returned to their correct positions – when the photo was first published, management feared an outcry so the speed was 'reduced' to 104mph.

It was shot by Uwe Kuessner for Wheels magazine in 1971 using a Nikon F1 and you can read Nichols' full recollections of the momentous event in the May 2009 issue of C&SC. The limited-edition version of the print is signed by both Nichols and Kuessner.

To order your copy (prices for signed copies start at Aus$149 plus P&P, the unsigned version costs Aus$79 plus P&P for A3 sized and Aus$99 plus P&P for A2) visit mycoverstory.com.au  or, from outside Australia, call 0061 416 190 193.