Idris Elba sets new British landspeed record in a Bentley
As an actor, he has battled mobsters, monsters, aliens and Loki.
As himself, he broken a British land speed record which had stood for 88 years.
Not only that, but he did in the most stylish way possible - in a Bentley.
On May 7, Idris Elba, drove at 290.3 kmh for what is termed the Flying Mile, reported Mail Online.
The previous record of travelling a measured mile or 1.6 km, was 281.3 kmh, set by Sir Malcolm Campbell in 1927.
According to CNN Money, Elba broke the record by driving a standard Bentley Continental GT Speed over the Pendine Sands in Wales.
It had to be done on the beach as there were no roads suitable for the stunt.
Elba also had to do it twice, there and back, in order for the record to stand.
Idris Elba setting the new British land speed record in a Bentley. PHOTO: BENTLEY
Though at S$750,000 for a second-hand 2013 version of the car, there was probably nothing standard about it.
According to Bentley, the time was independently verified by the UK Timing Association.
“I'm absolutely elated to have broken the 'Flying Mile'. It’s an honour to have taken on the challenge and to successfully follow in the footsteps of the illustrious Sir Malcolm Campbell," said Elba after the attempt.
The actor, who at one point was heavily linked to be the next James Bond, set the record while filming his new Discovery UK series - Idris Elba: No Limits.
Set to air in July, the four-part series sees him take on a several high-octane challenges.
Source: Mail Online, CNN Money, Bentley, sgCarMart, The Hollywood Reporter
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