CAMILLE JENATZY AND “LA JAMAIS CONTENTE”: A TECHNOLOGICAL MARVEL AHEAD OF ITS TIME!
On 29 April 1899, Belgian engineer and racing driver Camille Jenatzy made history. He became the first person to break the 100 km/h barrier on land, reaching an impressive speed of 105.88 km/h. This record was set in Achères, near Paris, in his revolutionary electric car, La Jamais Contente.
With its distinctive torpedo shape, La Jamais Contente was truly ahead of its time. Its body was made of partinium, a lightweight aluminium alloy, and it was powered by two Postel-Vinay electric motors producing a combined 50 kW (around 68 horsepower). The car ran on heavy Fulmen lead-acid batteries, which accounted for almost half of its total weight of 750 kg.
Although its streamlined design was built for speed, its aerodynamics were somewhat compromised by the high seating position of the driver and its open chassis. Nevertheless, La Jamais Contente was a milestone in automotive history, proving that electric vehicles could compete with petrol-powered cars.
By setting this record, La Jamais Contente did more than just push the limits of speed—Camille Jenatzy also demonstrated the potential of electric vehicles. His achievement remains an inspiration for engineers and car enthusiasts to this day.
A replica of this legendary car can be seen at Autoworld.
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