This 1935 Wetteroth AAA Championship Car Built by West Coast fabricator Louis ‘Curly’ Wetteroth around 1934-1945. It was purchased by William Schoof of Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1935 and campaigned nationally thru 1949 as the ‘Fox Point Garage Special’ or the ‘Schoof Special’. As a race car it was constantly modified and occasionally wrecked, notably at Milwaukee in 1948 and Indianapolis in 1949. Here it has been restored to the start of the 1947 season configuration and how it ran at the Indianapolis 500 where Duke Dinsmore qualified at 119.84 mph and finished 10th.
The car has a list of 26 different drivers in its 14 year history.
The 1935 Wetteroth AAA Championship Car is a notable example of American open-wheel racing history. These cars were built for the American Automobile Association (AAA) Championship, which was the premier open-wheel racing series in the United States during the early 20th century. Here’s a detailed look at this iconic racing car:
Overview
- Production Year: 1935
- Manufacturer: Wetteroth
- Class: AAA Championship Car (Indianapolis 500 racer)
- Body Style: Open-wheel, single-seater
Design and Specifications
- Engine:
- The car was typically powered by an Offenhauser inline-four engine, a dominant powerplant in American open-wheel racing.
- The Offenhauser engine, commonly known as the "Offy," had a displacement of around 4.2 liters (255 cubic inches) and produced approximately 270 horsepower.
- Transmission: 2-speed manual gearbox
- Chassis:
- The chassis was a lightweight, tubular steel frame designed to provide strength and rigidity while minimizing weight.
- It featured a narrow body and exposed wheels, characteristic of open-wheel race cars.
- 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 Wetteroth AAA Championship Car could achieve speeds of up to 140 mph (225 km/h), depending on the track and conditions.
- Acceleration: The powerful Offenhauser engine and lightweight construction allowed for rapid acceleration, crucial for competitive performance in racing.
Design Features
- Bodywork:
- The car featured a streamlined body designed to reduce aerodynamic drag. The design focused on simplicity and functionality, with an emphasis on speed and performance.
- The open cockpit allowed the driver to have excellent visibility and quick access during pit stops.
- Interior: The interior was spartan, with minimal instrumentation and controls. The focus was on providing the driver with essential information and maintaining a lightweight structure.
Notable Achievements
- Indianapolis 500: Cars like the Wetteroth AAA Championship Car were specifically built to compete in the Indianapolis 500, one of the most prestigious races in the world. These cars were designed for endurance, speed, and reliability to handle the grueling 500-mile race.
- Racing Heritage: The 1935 Wetteroth AAA Championship Car represents an era when American open-wheel racing was growing in popularity and technological advancements were being rapidly integrated into race car design.
Legacy
- Historic Significance: The Wetteroth AAA Championship Car is a significant piece of American motorsport history. It embodies the spirit and innovation of 1930s racing, a time when the foundations of modern open-wheel racing were being established.
- Collector’s Item: Due to its historical importance and connection to iconic races like the Indianapolis 500, the 1935 Wetteroth AAA Championship Car is highly valued by collectors and motorsport enthusiasts. Restored examples are often showcased at vintage racing events and car shows.
You may purchase a print of the 1935 Wetteroth AAA Championship Car in our dElegance 2012 online gallery.