Dorothy Levitt, English racing driver and journalist (d. 1922)

Dorothy Elizabeth Levitt, born Elizabeth Levi on 5 January 1882 and passing on 17 May 1922, emerged as a groundbreaking figure in early 20th-century Britain. She was not merely the first British woman racing driver but also an astonishing record-breaker, holding the world's inaugural water speed record and the women's world land speed record. Beyond her competitive achievements, Levitt was a notable author, a pivotal advocate for female independence, and a pioneer in the burgeoning field of female motoring.

A Champion of Speed and Female Empowerment

Levitt's influence extended far beyond the race track. She was instrumental in paving the way for women in a male-dominated era, championing their ability to master the automobile. Demonstrating her expertise and commitment to empowering women, she famously taught Queen Alexandra and the Royal Princesses how to drive, underscoring her role as a trusted and skilled instructor to the highest echelons of society.

Record-Breaking Achievements on Land and Water

• World's First Water Speed Record: In July 1903, Dorothy Levitt made history by setting the world's first water speed record. Piloting a Napier motorboat at a regatta in Southampton, she achieved an impressive speed of 19.3 mph (approximately 31.1 km/h), a truly remarkable feat for the time and a testament to her daring spirit.
• Women's World Land Speed Record: Her pursuit of speed continued on land. In July 1906, at the famous Blackpool Speed Trials, Levitt shattered expectations by setting a new women's world land speed record. Driving a powerful Napier six-cylinder car, she reached an astounding 91 mph (approximately 146.5 km/h), a record that stood for several years and solidified her reputation as the "Fastest Girl on Earth."
• Longest Drive by a Lady Driver: In 1905, Levitt embarked on another endurance challenge, establishing the record for the longest drive undertaken by a lady driver. Over two days, she meticulously navigated a De Dion-Bouton vehicle from London to Liverpool and back, covering an approximate distance of 400 miles (about 640 km). This monumental journey garnered her widespread acclaim in the press, earning her the distinguished soubriquets of "The Fastest Girl on Earth" and "The Champion Lady Motorist of the World."

The Woman and the Car: A Visionary Handbook

In 1909, Dorothy Levitt further solidified her legacy with the publication of her seminal work, The Woman and the Car: A Chatty Little Handbook for all Women who Motor or Who Want to Motor. This insightful guide was far ahead of its time, providing practical advice and encouragement to women navigating the complexities of early motoring.

The Invention of the Rear-View Mirror

One of the most notable recommendations in Levitt's book was her pragmatic advice for enhanced driving safety. She suggested that women should: "carry a little hand-mirror in a convenient place when driving" so they may "hold the mirror aloft from time to time in order to see behind while driving in traffic".

This ingenious recommendation effectively describes the function of the modern rear-view mirror. Levitt's foresight predates the widespread introduction of rear-view mirrors by vehicle manufacturers, which only became standard features in cars around 1914. This pioneering concept underscores her practical approach to motoring and her concern for driver awareness and safety.

Safety and Self-Reliance: The Handgun Recommendation

In a bold move that reflected the societal challenges of independent female travel in the early 20th century, Levitt also advised women travelling alone to carry a handgun for personal protection. Her specific recommendation was an automatic Colt pistol. She noted its "relative lack of recoil" as a quality that made it "particularly suitable for women," highlighting her attention to practical considerations even in matters of self-defence. This advice speaks volumes about the perceived need for women to be self-reliant and prepared during a period when solo female journeys were less common and potentially more perilous.

A Legal Precedent: The 1903 Court Case

Dorothy Levitt's impact was not confined to speed records and literary contributions; she also played a crucial role in establishing legal precedents for motorists. In 1903, she was involved in a landmark court case after her car was struck by a General Post Office (GPO) van. Levitt successfully won this case, marking it as the first legal victory in England for the driver of a self-propelled vehicle. This ruling was highly significant, as it helped to define the legal framework for road use and established the rights and responsibilities of early motorists in a rapidly evolving transportation landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions about Dorothy Levitt

Who was Dorothy Levitt?

Dorothy Elizabeth Levitt was a pioneering British woman known for being the first British woman racing driver, holder of the world's first water speed record, the women's world land speed record, an author, and an advocate for female independence in motoring.

What significant records did Dorothy Levitt hold?

Levitt held the world's first water speed record (19.3 mph in 1903) and the women's world land speed record (91 mph in 1906). She also set a record for the longest drive by a lady driver, travelling from London to Liverpool and back in 1905.

Did Dorothy Levitt invent the rear-view mirror?

While not credited with its manufacturing introduction, Dorothy Levitt recommended the use of a hand-held mirror to see traffic behind in her 1909 book, The Woman and the Car, years before the device became standard in vehicles around 1914.

What was the significance of her 1903 court case?

Her successful 1903 court case against a GPO van driver was a landmark legal victory, being the first in England won by the driver of a self-propelled vehicle, thus helping to establish legal rights for early motorists.

How did Dorothy Levitt contribute to female independence?

Levitt challenged traditional gender roles by excelling in male-dominated fields like motor racing. She taught women, including royalty, how to drive and wrote a practical guide for female motorists, actively promoting self-reliance and independence for women through the freedom of the automobile.