Donald James Harkness (1890-1972) was well known as a racing car driver and engineer. He was born in Leichhardt, New South Wales, Australia and began his career as a teenager by repairing the Gnome engine fitted to W E Hart's plane. Just before WW1, Harkness joined J C Hillier, a motor engineer, in Sydney and by 1921 was a full partner. Harkness & Hillier was formed and for the next 40 years, the firm built a variety of stationary and marine engines, timber jinkers, gas producers and automotive components. The firm also made parts for the Australian Six and in 1924 took over that enterprise. Don Harkness also designed and built the four-cylinder Hornet aero engine which was claimed to be the first locally built unit to pass the Commonwealth Government Airworthy test, large scale production however never eventuated.

Don Harkness's major contribution to the motoring scene was as a driver-designer in racing, record breaking and other forms of motor sport. Driving a hotted-up 1924 Overland known as Whitey he became one of Australia's best known drivers, winning numerous events at the Penrith circuit and Maroubra Speedway during the 1920s. On 17 October 1925, on Seven Mile Beach, Gerringong, New South Wales, he drove over a measured mile at 107 mph (173 km/h) in a heavily modified Minerva chassis. Harkness designed and built two more record breaking cars that were driven by Norman 'Wizard' Smith, they were the Anzac and Fred H Stewart Enterprise. The Anzac established a new world ten mile record with a speed of 149.75 mph (242.6 km/h) and the Enterprise broke that same record at 164 mph (265.7 km/h). Harkness continued to drive competitively until 1935 when he was involved in a serious accident.

The trophy was made in 1925, maker and place unknown

The trophy was awarded to Don Harkness in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 1925.

Trophy desk ornament, silver, maker unknown, awarded to Don Harkness, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 1925

Silver trophy desk ornament. The trophy is in the shape of Australia and has been engraved with details of the event for which it was awarded. The cut-out of Australia is attached at the centre back to a hollow metal base with a metal rod. 'To commemorate a record Overland Sydney Ltd Sydney Don Harkness by Overland Six Touring Car Australian 24 hours non-stop record. 1235 5/6 miles at 51 mph 11-12 December 1925'.

Made: 1925


Used: Harkness, Donald James; Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; 1925

Event details on trophy face, engraved into silver 'TO COMMEMORATE / A RECORD / DON HARKNESS / OVERLAND SYDNEY LTD / SYDNEY / (image of a 1920's automobile) / BY OVERLAND SIX TOURING CAR. / AUSTRALIAN 24 HOUR NON-STOP RECORD. / 1235 5/6 Miles at 51 M.P.H. / 11-12 December 1925.'.

Maker's hallmarks on back of trophy face, stamped into silver '(illeg.) / 925 (illeg.) TG'.

2005/71/13

1925

70 mm

83 mm

47 mm