Report: Museum of Science and Industry sued by owner of historic jet car

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The Museum of Science and Industry is being sued for damaging one of the fastest cars ever built according to a report in the Chicago Tribune.

Back in the 60s, the "Spirit of America" jet car smashed the world record for speed, topping 500 miles-an-hour.

Race car driver Craig Breedlove loaned the car to the museum in 1965. Last summer, they gave the car back.

Breedlove said people had carved their initials into the paint and the frame had been cut and re-welded.

He's suing for nearly half-a-million dollars.

The museum cannot comment on the case due to ongoing litigation. But a spokesperson said in a statement, "the Museum goes to great lengths to take expert care of all of the artifacts in our collections and we are confident that this situation can and will be resolved satisfactorily."