Those of you that grew up in Seattle in the 1950s know about Slo-mo-shun V and the epic hydro battles on Lake Washington. Did you know that the hydroplane won the 1954 Gold Cup behind the horsepower of a Merlin engine? Actually, it was the same Merlin recovered off the bottom of the lake from the splintered wreck of Quicksilver after a crash in 1951. Now, some vintage airplane purists scoff at the idea of burning up perfectly good aircraft engines “in a boat,” but you may fondly remember that summer, Slo-mo and Seattle were on top of the world.
Four Merlins — in three Mustangs and a Spitfire — visited the Flying Heritage Collection Saturday. Hear them roar in the video below.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
