Cornelian automobile
The Cornelian was a 1914 American automobile built expressly for racing. It had chain drive and was the smallest such configuration to be raced at the Indianapolis Speedway.[1]
Manufacture
The 1914 Cornelian was manufactured by Howard E. Blood (of the Allegan, Michigan-based Blood Brothers Machine Company), who had joined forces with Swiss racecar driver Louis Chevrolet. Chevrolet used a Cornelian to qualify for the 1915 Indy 500 race, with a qualifying speed of 81.01 miles per hour (130.373 km/h). Chevrolet did not finish the race, having to drop out on the 77th lap when an engine valve failed (he placed 20th in the results).[2] However, the appearance was good for business, and orders came into Blood's office. However, only a few units had been produced[3] when Blood halted production.
The cycle car was powered by a 4 Cylinder Sterling engine [4] and boasted a light weight of 500 kg (1,102 lb) displacing 103 cubic inches (1.7 L). The automobile body was monocoque; the rear wheels had independent suspension, and the front wheels were mounted on a suicide axle.
The Indy 500 museum has one of these vehicles on display.
References
- ↑ http://vtauto.org/magicmotoring.php?ID=78 Vermont Auto Enthusiasts website, accessed 3 November 2009
- ↑ http://www.indy500.com/news/story.php?story_id=1372 INDY 500 website
- ↑ One reference states that "less than 20" units were built; another says that production was halted at 100 units
- ↑ http://www.museumofamericanspeed.com/RS/SR/Alternate/17/4497~3_L_15ba0220.JPG
External links
- 1915 Cornelian photo gallery
- Article with photo
- History of the Town of Allegan
- Chevy Has Made History At Indy For More Than 90 Years