Captain George Edward Thomas Eyston (28 June 1897 – 11 June 1979) was a British engineer, inventor, and racing driver best known for his achievements in high-speed motoring and land-speed records. Born in Bampton, Oxfordshire, England, he was educated at Stonyhurst College and Trinity College, Cambridge, where he studied engineering before serving with distinction in World War I, earning the Military Cross for gallantry. After the war he returned to Cambridge and became deeply involved in motor racing and high-speed record attempts.
Eyston combined his engineering skills with driving prowess, setting multiple speed records. In the 1930s he broke long-distance and endurance records and was among the first British drivers to compete at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. He is most famous for breaking the World Land Speed Record three times between 1937 and 1939 in his custom-built car Thunderbolt — including a 1938 run of 357.497 mph — surpassing records previously held by Sir Malcolm Campbell and later contested by John Cobb. Eyston was also recognized with such honours as the Segrave Trophy, the Légion d’honneur, and was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE). After retiring from active record attempts, he continued involvement in motorsport and engineering until his death in London at age 81.
