Chris Barrie's Massive Speed

2006
Ended
Documentary
~4h 10m / ep
1 season

Chris Barrie's Massive Speed follows on from the series Massive Engines and Massive Machines , both of which were also presented by petrolhead Chris (of Red Dwarf fame). In Massive Speed Chris turns his attention to the evolution of machines designed purely to achieve maximum speed. He travels the world searching for the most thrilling, speed-packed machines he can find and introduces audiences to huge engined bikes, planes, trucks and boats that battle it out in power races. Whether it's crossing an otherwise impenetrable snow drift, desert or swamp at the speed of an Olympic sprinter or cutting through the atmosphere at six times the speed of sound, Chris tells the stories of the greatest achievements of speed design and engineering. In each episode Chris follows the evolution of a specific genre of machine by testing them and reveals both the classsic stories and secret histories that surround each of them.

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Latest: Season 1 · 2006

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E1. Fighter Planes
Dec 4, 2006
Chris traces the history of aerial combat, taking a ride in a World War Two Spitfire and meeting crack Dutch F16 fighter pilots along the way.
E2. Hot Rods
Dec 5, 2006
Chris explores the world of hot rod racing, in which ordinary cars are customised into high-speed vehicles, originally inspired by a need for cheap yet quick transport. He looks at how the machines developed over the years, with simple engineering allowing for huge increases in velocity.
E3. Record-Breaking Trains
Dec 6, 2006
Chris continues to study the evolution of fast machines, including the elegant steam engine City of Truro. He investigates modern transport icons, such as the Intercity 125 and the French TGV, before taking a ride on the floating Maglev train, capable of going up to 311 mph.
E4. 4x4
Dec 7, 2006
Chris explores how four-wheel-drive technology has revolutionised the pursuit of speed, beginning with the world's first 4x4, the Spyker 60 HP - entered into the Birmingham Hill race in 1906. He also takes a look at the classic Jeep, designed by Karl Probst in just five days, and the Audi Quattro.
E5. Powerboats
Dec 8, 2006
Chris explores the history of speedboats, starting with the Jazz, a powerboat that used a unique "stepped hull" to decrease water resistance. He also investigates the first three-point hydroplane, the Bluebird K4, and racing catamarans, discovering these vessels are capable of great velocity even over choppy waters.
E6. Sports Cars
Dec 9, 2006
Chris traces the evolution of sports cars, from the Bugatti Type 23 of the early 20th century, though such 1950s models as the Mercedes Gullwing to the latter-day Bugatti Veyron which is capable of reaching a top speed of 254 mph.