The Thrust SSC was so unthinkably hardcore that it took a fighter jet pilot to drive it on its record-breaking run. With RAF Wing Commander Andy Green at the helm, the Thrust SSC not only broke the land-speed record, but it also became the first car (well, sort of car) to ever break the sound barrier.

Up until around the early 1900s, the fastest wheeled means of transportation on Earth were trains. Things started to change, though, as the automobile was evolving and people started getting a kick out of going fast on salt flats.

People present on location could hear two loud booms, one during each run, as Andy Green battled with the rocket-shaped, jet-powered monster which he later described as "a massive handful, bordering on uncontrollable."

Viewed from the outside, the SSC's trajectory and composure might look super-smooth, but for Mr. Green, it was a hellish ride.

That's partly due to the staggered rear wheels and the two Rolls-Royce Spey turbofan engines that moved the Thrust SSC, the same engines that power the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II supersonic jet fighter with 22,000 pound-force of thrust each.

But, believe it or not, starting the Thrust SSC and getting it in motion was a long list of procedures that kick off with soft acceleration.

Yes, the Thrust SSC might have god-like status, but before it runs like hell, it has to build up speed at a rate similar to your family's wagon as it pulls away from the start grid. Only after that it is ready (read: safe) to accelerate at 25 mph every second. Let that sink in for a second and once you're done, check out the video below for more equally mind-blowing details.