Dorothy Levitt: Britain's First Female Racing Driver
- Belinda Guy
- Aug 6
- 5 min read
In 1909, Dorothy Levitt gave women two pieces of advice: carry a revolver for protection and a hand mirror so you can see the traffic behind you.
At first glance, it sounds like an unusual combination of advice. But, when you understand the world Dorothy lived in, it starts to make sense. Driving was still a relatively new invention, roads were very different to the ones we know today and women travelling independently was still challenging the expectations of society.
I recently covered Dorothy Levitt in the latest episode of my podcast, Belinda Automotive: The Road is Ours, exploring her journey from early motoring pioneer to record-breaking racing driver. However, her story deserves to be remembered far beyond a single episode.
Dorothy Levitt was Britain's first female racing driver, a world record holder on both land and water, an author, journalist and one of the earliest advocates for women behind the wheel. Yet despite everything she achieved, she remains one of the most overlooked figures in automotive history.
Who Was Dorothy Levitt? Britain's First Female Racing Driver
Born Elizabeth Dorothy Levi in Hackney, London, on 5 January 1882, Dorothy grew up during a period of huge change. The late Victorian era was a time when society had very defined expectations for women. Many women were expected to focus on domestic life, while engineering, mechanics and competitive sport were considered male pursuits.
Of course, then came the automobile.
At the beginning of the 20th century, cars were still experimental machines. They were noisy, expensive and required confidence and mechanical knowledge to operate. There were no modern safety systems, no driving instructors on every corner and no guarantee that a journey would be straightforward. For many people, the automobile represented technology and progress. For Dorothy, it represented something even more powerful: freedom.
Dorothy Levitt's Early Life and the Changing World of the Automobile
Dorothy entered the automotive world at a time when cars were changing how people travelled, but society was still deciding who was allowed to control them and get behind the wheel. And, women driving was considered controversial. The idea that a woman could understand a machine, repair it and travel independently challenged traditional views of femininity.
During this period in time, anything that compromised a woman's femininity was frowned upon and considered dangerous to our social status.
This makes Dorothy's achievements even more remarkable. She wasn't entering an established industry where women had a clear pathway, but she was stepping into a completely new world that was ready to be defined.
How Dorothy Levitt Entered the Automotive World
Dorothy's introduction to motoring came through Napier, one of Britain's pioneering car manufacturers. It was there that she met Selwyn Edge, Napier's managing director, who recognised her potential and encouraged her to learn more about automobiles.
Learning to drive was not without its challenges, though. Dorothy was taught by a young Napier salesman, Leslie Callingham, who reportedly disliked having to teach a woman to drive. In fact, it's reported he found Dorothy's perfume, bracelets, attire and hat offensive and unbecoming of a woman.
This moment perfectly represents the attitudes Dorothy was fighting against. Driving wasn't just about operating a vehicle, every time Dorothy took to the road, she was challenging the belief that women were not capable of understanding machinery or handling powerful cars.
Dorothy Levitt's Racing Career and Rise in Motorsport History
It wasn't enough for Dorothy to simply drive, she wanted to compete. Early motorsport was very different from the organised racing we know today. Events were often endurance tests, speed trials or reliability competitions designed to prove what cars and drivers could achieve.
Manufacturers used these events to demonstrate that their vehicles were fast, durable and technologically advanced. It was also the perfect ground to make a sale. It was in this space that Dorothy quickly made her mark.
In 1903, she competed in the Southport Speed Trials, winning her class in a Gladiator. She also completed long-distance journeys that demonstrated both her driving ability and her confidence behind the wheel. In 1905, she drove from London to Liverpool and back, covering more than 400 miles. At a time when roads were rough, navigation was difficult and mechanical problems were common, this was a significant achievement.
Dorothy Levitt: The Fastest Girl on Earth and Her Speed Records
Dorothy's reputation grew through her success in speed trials. At the Brighton Speed Trials, she set a women's world land speed record in a Napier, reaching almost 80mph. The following year, at Blackpool, she went even faster, reaching more than 90mph in a 100-horsepower Napier.
This achievement earned her the nickname "The Fastest Girl on Earth". It is easy to forget just how extraordinary this was. Dorothy was driving open-top cars with minimal protection, primitive braking systems and technology that was still in development.
Her achievements were not impressive because she was a woman. They were impressive because cars were challenging to control and drive.
Dorothy also competed internationally, including the Herkomer Trophy Trial in Germany, where she finished fourth overall among more than 170 competitors. She later achieved success at the Gaillon Hill Climb in France.
Dorothy Levitt at Brooklands: Breaking Barriers for Women in Motorsport
Brooklands, the world's first purpose-built motor racing circuit, should have been the perfect place for Dorothy to showcase her abilities. However, women faced significant barriers in motorsport.
Some racing organisations, including the British Automobile Racing Club (BARC), did not allow women members at the time. Even when Dorothy had the backing of Selwyn Edge, her opportunities were restricted.
In 1908, she entered an event at Brooklands, but another driver raced the car instead. For Dorothy, this must have been incredibly frustrating. She had already proven her talent through speed records and international competition, but social barriers continued to limit her opportunities.
Rather than stopping her, these experiences strengthened her mission to encourage more women to drive.
Dorothy Levitt's Water Speed Records and Powerboat Racing Career
Dorothy's passion for speed was not limited to cars. She also became a successful powerboat racer, competing in major events and setting water speed records.
Her achievements included competing in the British International Harmsworth Trophy and earning recognition for her performances on the water. This part of Dorothy's story is often overlooked, but it shows how determined and versatile she was. Whether behind the wheel of a car or controlling a powerboat, she continued to challenge expectations.
The Woman and the Car: Dorothy Levitt's Guide for Women Drivers
In 1909, Dorothy published The Woman and the Car: A Chatty Little Handbook for All Women Who Motor. Dorothy wanted women to understand their vehicles, carry out basic maintenance and feel confident taking control of their own journeys.
At a time when many people believed cars were unsuitable for women, Dorothy argued that women were just as capable of becoming skilled motorists. Her writing helped make motoring feel more accessible and encouraged women to see the automobile as a tool for independence.
Dorothy Levitt's Legacy in Women's Automotive History
Dorothy Levitt died in 1922 at the age of 40, but her impact on automotive history continues today. She didn't simply become Britain's first female racing driver, she challenged who was allowed to participate in motoring.
She also proved women could race, understand engineering, set records and take control of their own journeys.
When we talk about women in automotive history today, Dorothy's story is a reminder that women have always been part of this industry. They have been drivers, engineers, innovators, journalists and pioneers from the very beginning.
The hand mirror and revolver might be the details that first capture people's attention, but Dorothy Levitt's true legacy is much bigger. She helped show that the road was never only meant for men. And more than 100 years later, her story continues to inspire the next generation of women behind the wheel.
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