This 1931 Duesenberg Indy Race Car was built for the 1931 Indianapolis 500 by chassis builder/fabricator Herman Rigling. Mr Rigling partner in design and construction was the famous mechanic, Cotton Henning. The Rigling-Henning Duesenberg used a special engine that was designed and built by Fred Duesenburg exclusively for racing. The engine was based on the Duesenburg Model A block.
In the 1931 Indy 500 the vehicle ws driven by Babe Strapp where he qualified sixth, averaging 110.1 MPH for four laps. He was running in third when an oil leak and clutch problem forced an early retirement from the event.
In the 1932 event the vehicle was named the “Duesenberg Special” and was piloted by L.L. Corum but he did not qualify. In the 1933 Indy 500, the car was named “The Jack O. Car Special” and was driven by Willard Prentiss, he qualified 40th at 107.8 MPH and finished 13th. The vehicle completed all 200 laps at an average speed of 95.6 MPH and was ahead of 5 other Duesenburg’s in the race.
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.
The 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.
The 1931 Duesenberg Indy Race Car is an iconic piece of motorsport history, representing the pinnacle of American racing engineering during the early 20th century. Duesenberg cars were renowned for their performance and durability, making them a dominant force in the Indianapolis 500 and other racing events. Here’s a detailed look at this remarkable race car:
Overview
- Production Year: 1931
- Manufacturer: Duesenberg, Inc.
- Class: Indy Race Car (Indianapolis 500 racer)
- Body Style: Open-wheel, single-seater
Design and Specifications
- Engine:
- The Duesenberg Indy Race Car was equipped with a supercharged straight-eight engine, one of the most advanced powerplants of its time.
- The engine had a displacement of 3.6 liters (362 cubic inches) and produced approximately 300 horsepower.
- Transmission: 3-speed manual gearbox
- Chassis:
- The car featured a lightweight and robust tubular steel frame designed to maximize strength and minimize weight, essential for competitive racing performance.
- Suspension:
- Front: Solid front axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs.
- Rear: Live axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs.
- Brakes: Hydraulic drum brakes on all four wheels, which was advanced technology for the time and provided superior stopping power.
Performance
- Top Speed: The Duesenberg Indy Race Car could reach speeds of up to 140 mph (225 km/h), making it one of the fastest cars of its era.
- Acceleration: The powerful supercharged engine and lightweight construction allowed for rapid acceleration, crucial for competitive racing.
Design Features
- Bodywork:
- The car featured a streamlined, aerodynamic body designed to minimize drag and maximize speed. The design was focused on functionality and performance, with an open cockpit for the driver.
- The body was typically crafted from lightweight materials, including aluminum, to reduce weight and enhance performance.
- Interior: The interior was minimalistic, with essential controls and instrumentation focused on providing the driver with necessary information while keeping weight to a minimum.
Notable Achievements
- Indianapolis 500: Duesenberg race cars were highly successful in the Indianapolis 500, with several victories and strong finishes. The 1931 model continued this legacy of performance and reliability.
- Engineering Excellence: Duesenberg was known for its innovative engineering, and the 1931 Indy Race Car showcased advanced technologies such as supercharging and hydraulic brakes, setting new standards in racing.
Legacy
- Historic Significance: The 1931 Duesenberg Indy Race Car is a significant piece of American motorsport history, representing the height of pre-war racing technology and performance. Its successes at the Indianapolis 500 and other races cemented Duesenberg's reputation as a leader in automotive engineering.
- Collector’s Item: Due to its historical importance and rarity, the 1931 Duesenberg Indy Race Car is highly prized by collectors and motorsport enthusiasts. Restored examples are showcased at vintage racing events, car shows, and museums, where they continue to draw admiration for their engineering and design.
You may purchase a print of the 1931 Duesenberg Indy Race Car in our dElegance 2011 online gallery.