This 1920 Miller TNT Race Car was purchased by Bob Sutherland and a Miller 183CID 8 cylinder installed in the 1980’s. This is one of only three Miller 18.3 engines existing. The TNT has been raced competitively since then and continues to compete at the annual Miller Club events in Milwaukee.
Henry Miller was intrigued by metallurgy; in 1919, he decided to build a race car that was conceived as a tour-de-force of his foundry work. The body consisted of aluminum panels and the engine was encased by an alloy carapace so that no hood was necessary. The car is shown in its final design with a normal hood, in reality took over from the concept.
The original design called for a four cylinder with 166 cubic inches, but was never successful. The car failed to qualify at Indianapolis, in 1920. The Owner Eddie Maier, a Los Angeles Brewer was embarrassed he put the car in storage at the brewery along with its failed engine. That engine was given to a wartime scrap drive and an unknown engine was fitted.
Overview
- Production Year: 1920
- Manufacturer: Miller
- Designer: Harry A. Miller
- Class: Race Car (Indianapolis 500 racer)
- Body Style: Open-wheel, single-seater
Design and Specifications
- Engine:
- The Miller TNT Race Car was equipped with a supercharged straight-eight engine, a pioneering design by Miller that became a hallmark of his engineering.
- The engine displacement varied, but it typically featured a 3.0-liter (183 cubic inches) configuration, producing around 150-200 horsepower.
- Transmission: 3-speed manual gearbox
- Chassis:
- The car featured a lightweight and sturdy tubular steel frame, designed to provide the necessary rigidity and strength for high-speed racing.
- Suspension:
- Front: Solid front axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs.
- Rear: Live axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs.
- Brakes: Mechanical drum brakes on all four wheels
Performance
- Top Speed: The Miller TNT Race Car could reach speeds of up to 120 mph (193 km/h), making it one of the fastest cars of its time.
- Acceleration: The supercharged engine and lightweight design allowed for quick acceleration, crucial for competitive performance on the race track.
Design Features
- Bodywork:
- The body of the Miller TNT Race Car was streamlined for aerodynamic efficiency, with a narrow profile and an open cockpit. The design focused on reducing drag and enhancing speed.
- The use of lightweight materials such as aluminum for the bodywork helped to keep the car's weight down, contributing to its performance.
- Interior: The interior was minimal, with essential controls and instrumentation to keep the driver informed and in control. The focus was on functionality and reducing weight.
Notable Achievements
- Indianapolis 500: Miller's race cars, including the TNT, were highly successful in the Indianapolis 500, dominating the race throughout the 1920s and 1930s. Their engineering excellence and innovative designs made them formidable competitors.
- Engineering Innovations: Harry Miller's designs introduced several innovations, including supercharging and advanced materials, which set new standards in racing car engineering and influenced future generations of race car designers.
Legacy
- Historic Significance: The 1920 Miller TNT Race Car represents a significant milestone in American racing history. Its design and engineering breakthroughs had a lasting impact on the development of racing cars.
- Collector’s Item: Due to its historical importance and the prestige of the Miller name, the TNT Race Car is highly sought after by collectors and motorsport historians. Restored examples are often displayed at vintage racing events, museums, and car shows, where they are celebrated for their contribution to the sport.
The 1920 Miller TNT Race Car stands as a testament to Harry Miller's genius and the technological advancements of early 20th-century motorsport. Its powerful supercharged engine, aerodynamic design, and engineering innovations made it a dominant force on the race track and a pivotal model in racing history. Today, it remains an iconic symbol of American racing heritage, admired for its ingenuity and enduring legacy in the world of motorsport.
You may purchase a print in of the 1920 Miller TNT Race Car our dElegance 2013 online gallery.
