Object Details
driver
Hepburn, Ralph
Duray, Leon
Description
From board tracks to the Indianapolis 500, auto racing in the 1920s attracted national and international attention. Harry Miller's handcrafted race cars were the most sought-after entries because of their exquisite mechanical designs, outstanding performance, speed records, and sleek, aerodynamic beauty.
By 1926, as speeds increased, Indy authorities had reduced engine displacement to 91 cubic inches. Miller compensated by adding a supercharger and perfecting front-wheel drive, eliminating the drive shaft and lowering the car's profile. But a ban on superchargers and the onset of the Depression ended Miller's dominance. This car, one of two in existence, captures Miller's mastery at its peak.
Credit Line
Gift of Robert M. Rubin
date made
1929
ID Number
1991.0889.01
catalog number
1991.0889.01
accession number
1991.0889
Object Name
Automobile, Racing
Physical Description
metal (overall material)
paint (overall material)
Measurements
average spatial: 5 1/2 ft x 12 9/16 ft; x 1.6764 m x 3.83438 m
See more items in
Work and Industry: Transportation, Road
Sports & Leisure
Automobiles
Transportation
Road Transportation
Data Source
National Museum of American History
Subject
Automobiles
Racing
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmah_1098824