Miss America VIII winning the British International Trophy in 1929 at Detroit. The Harmsworth trophy, as it is also known, was for decades the race that defined the world’s fastest boat. The rules are similar to the America’s Cup, in that it is a contest between nations, and all the materials, design, and equipment used in a boat must be from the country of origin. Gar Wood switched from Hoduran to Phillipine mahogany and built the first Miss America to take home the trophy in 1920. He didn’t give it up until 1931.

Miss America VIII defended the trophy in 1929 against a challenge from the British tomboy of powerboat racing Marion “Joe” Carstairs and the Estelle II. Repowered, it won again in 1931, driven by Gar’s brother George, so the trophy didn’t have to go too far. 

Just got to have one, right? Well, You Are In Luck. Miss America VIII goes up for auction on January 28th in Kissimme, Florida. It is a shallow-vee single step boat with two historic twin-cam V-16 engines by Indy car legend Harry Miller, and probably does about 95. Turns pretty well even at speed, so long as you have a riding mechanic to ease the throttle on the inside engine in the corners. So pick a buddy and bid!