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 sash was made in 1925, maker and place unknown.

This sash was awarded to Don Harkness in 1925 by the WSMCC (Western Sydney Motor Car Club?).

Sash, fabric / metal, maker and place unknown, used by Don Harkness, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia, 1925

Blue fabric printed sash. The sash has been doubled over and sewn together at one end, and is decorated with a gold button, a gold coloured metal tassel, and gold coloured metal fringe. The sash has been screen printed in yellow with the name of the event, the date, and the winners name.

Made: 1925


Used: Harkness, Donald James; Australia; 1925

Event, date, and winners details, screen printed in gold 'W.S.M.C.C. PENRITH SPEEDWAY / 10 MILE CAR CHAMPIONSHIP N.S.W. / WON BY D.HARKNESS, OVERLAND 1.1.25.'.

2005/71/5

1925

120 mm