Ferrari Arno XI hydroplane holds 73-year-old speed record

The Ferrari Arno XI, a unique wooden hydroplane, holds a world speed record that has remained unbroken for 73 years. Created in 1952 through the initiative of engineer and pilot Achille Castoldi, the project received direct support from Enzo Ferrari and the Scuderia's top engineers.

Built by Cantieri Timossi, the vessel featured a mahogany hull finished in classic Rosso Corsa. It was powered by a highly modified 4.5-liter Ferrari V12 Type 375 F1 engine, adapted with superchargers and designed to run on methanol. On October 15, 1953, the machine reached a speed of 241.708 km/h on Lake Iseo, setting a world record in the 800 kg category.