 The line was built to certain specifications so that it could take advantage of the higher speeds offered by the advances in steam locomotion.For most of the line the ruling gradient did not exceed 1 in 176 ((1000/176) round 1 ‰); outside urban areas wide curves were employed with a minimum radius of 1 mile; the route only had one level crossing; and, unlike other railway lines in Britain, the Great Central Main Line was built to an expanded continental loading gauge which meant it could accommodate larger-sized continental trains.The GCR's target market was higher-class 'business' travellers, and it promoted its long-distance express trains with the slogan "Rapid Travel in Luxury".