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The Institution of Mechanical Engineers has awarded its Engineering Heritage Award to the JCB Dieselmax engine that powered the world’s fastest diesel car.

The

Institution of Mechanical Engineers

(ImechE) has awarded its Engineering Heritage Award (EHA) to the

JCB Dieselmax

engine that powered the world’s fastest diesel car.

The Dieselmax broke the diesel land speed record on 23 August 2006 at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, USA, by reaching a speed of 350.092mph.

The engine is currently on display at the Anson Engine Museum, Poynton, Cheshire.

A plaque denoting the award is to be unveiled at a presentation ceremony in October.

The IMechE launched the EHA (formerly the EHHS) in 1984 to recognise landmark developments in mechanical engineering and to raise the profile of the profession.

Previous recipients of the award include the Thames Barrier, the Harrier jump jet, the Rolls-Royce RB211 engine, the invention of the FloatGlass process at Pilkington Glass and the original Gardner 4L2 engine that is also on display at the Anson Engine Museum.

The JCB Dieselmax was first put to the local branch of the IMechE earlier this year while it was on display at the museum. There followed a detailed evaluation by the judging panel in London.

Geoff Challinor, chairman and curator of the museum, said: ‘We are absolutely delighted that this very British engine has been recognised in this way. JCB developed a wonderful engine and I am very proud to have it on display at the museum.

'It is a testament to what British engineering can do on the world stage.’

Dr Tim Leverton, JCB’s group engineering director and Dieselmax project director, said: ‘It is fantastic news lo learn that the IMechE has honoured the engine in this way and I look forward to receiving the award on behalf of the chairman and whole JCB Dieselmax team.’