First recognized land-speed record

According to Official Guinness Records,

Gaston de Chasseloup-Laubat (France), driving the electric Jeantaud Duc, achieved a speed of 39.24 mi/h in Acheres, Yvelines, France, on 18 December 1898.

For a complete list of 1898 records, please visit 1898 Guinness Records in France.

Other France records that might interest you:

• First cinema in operation
• First aeroplane hop
• Oldest person ever (female)
• First voice recording
• First flying return trapeze act