This 1935 Miller-Ford NOVI Winfield V8 is powered by a 220 cubic-inch Ford V8 side valve developing 150 horsepower. It ran as number 35 in the 1935 Indy 500, driven by George Bailey, qualified 29th at 113.432 mph and finished 26th.
The genius of Harry Miller was again evident in the design and execution of the magnificent 1935 Miller Ford race cars. Beautifully styled and with streamlined independent suspension, they were unlike anything previous seen on American speedways. Unfortunately their creation was part of a Preston Tucker orchestrated fiasco. When they failed to perform well in the Indy 500, an angry Henry Ford locked them away in Detroit. Who knows how successful they could have been if Ford had allowed further development. By 1938 Ford’s anger must have subsided, as several Miller Fords had since made their way into private hands.
Background
- Designer/Builder: The car was designed by Harry Miller, a legendary figure in the world of automotive engineering, particularly known for his contributions to IndyCar racing. The construction was funded by Edsel Ford, the son of Henry Ford.
- Engine: The car featured a V8 engine designed by Leo Goossen and Fred Offenhauser. The engine was equipped with Winfield carburetors, which were known for their performance-enhancing capabilities. This engine is often referred to as the "Winfield V8."
- Chassis: The chassis design was innovative, featuring a front-wheel-drive layout. This was relatively uncommon at the time and was intended to improve handling and traction.
- Performance: The car was built to compete in the Indianapolis 500, one of the most prestigious auto races in the world. However, the 1935 Miller-Ford cars suffered from mechanical issues during the race and did not perform as well as expected.
Legacy
- Innovation: Despite its disappointing performance at the Indianapolis 500, the 1935 Miller-Ford NOVI Winfield V8 was significant for its innovative engineering and design. The front-wheel-drive layout and high-performance V8 engine were ahead of their time.
- Influence: The lessons learned from the Miller-Ford projects influenced future race car designs and contributed to the evolution of automotive engineering.
You may purchase a print of the 1935 Miller-Ford NOVI Winfield V8 in our dElegance 2013 online gallery.
