The 1909 Alco 6 Cylinder Racer is believed to be the winner of the historic 1909 and 1910 Vanderbilt Cup Races. Finished 33RD in the first Indianapolis 500 race held on May 30, 1911. One of the very first six cylinder race cars and only one of 11 known existing Alco cars and trucks of the over 1,000 built by the American Locomotive Company from 1906 to 1913. This is the only known existing Alco race car of the four that were built.
On the 100th anniversary of the 1911 Indy 500 Race on May 29, 2011, the Black Beast was driven by Emerson Fittipaldi for a ceremonial lap, reaching a top speed of 68 MPH. The racer was also profiled in the 2011 Indy 500 program. According to the previous, the restored racer has attained a speed of 121 MPH.
The current owner purchased the vehicle in December 2008 after returning to the US after 15 years in France.
Overview
- Production Year: 1909
- Manufacturer: American Locomotive Company (ALCO)
- Class: Early racing car
- Body Style: Open-wheel racer
Design and Specifications
- Engine:
- The 1909 Alco 6 Cylinder Racer was equipped with a six-cylinder inline engine, a significant innovation for its time.
- Engine technology of this era typically featured cast iron construction, side valves, and T-head configuration.
- Power output would have been substantial for the period, likely around 60 to 80 horsepower, providing impressive performance on the racetrack.
- Transmission:
- Early racing cars like the Alco 6 Cylinder Racer used a manual transmission with typically three to four forward gears, allowing for precise control over speed and acceleration.
- Chassis:
- The chassis was likely constructed of steel or a combination of steel and wood, providing a strong and rigid foundation for the vehicle.
- It featured a lightweight design optimized for racing, with a focus on high-speed stability and handling.
- Suspension:
- Suspension systems of the time were basic, often comprising semi-elliptic leaf springs and rigid axles, designed to withstand the rigors of early racing conditions.
Performance
- Top Speed: The 1909 Alco 6 Cylinder Racer could achieve impressive speeds for its era, likely reaching around 100 mph (160 km/h) on favorable racetracks.
- Acceleration: With its powerful engine and lightweight construction, the car would have boasted rapid acceleration, essential for competitive racing starts and overtaking.
- Handling: The car's handling characteristics would have been sharp and responsive, thanks to its advanced chassis design and low center of gravity.
Design Features
- Bodywork:
- The Alco 6 Cylinder Racer featured a minimalist, open-wheel design typical of early racing cars.
- The bodywork was aerodynamically optimized for speed, with a streamlined profile and open cockpit to reduce weight and improve driver visibility.
- Interior:
- The interior was spartan, focused on functionality and weight reduction.
- It featured a single-seat configuration with basic instrumentation and controls positioned for ease of use during intense racing conditions.
- Customization:
- Racing teams and drivers often customized early racing cars like the Alco to suit specific race tracks and competition rules, adapting components and tuning engines for optimal performance.
Legacy
- Historical Significance:
- The 1909 Alco 6 Cylinder Racer holds historical significance as one of the pioneering American racing cars of its time, showcasing ALCO's engineering expertise and ambition in automotive manufacturing.
- It contributed to the development of racing technology and served as a benchmark for future racing car designs and innovations.
- Cultural Impact:
- Early racing cars like the Alco 6 Cylinder Racer captured the imagination of enthusiasts and spectators alike, fueling interest in motor racing as a thrilling and competitive sport.
- They helped to establish the foundations of organized racing events and paved the way for the growth of motorsport as a global phenomenon.
Taken at the Amelia Concours.
You may purchase a print of the 1909 Alco 6 Cylinder Racer in our dElegance 2012 online gallery.