Cornelian automobile

The Cornelian was a 1914 American automobile built expressly for racing. It had chain drive and was the smallest such configuration to be raced at the Indianapolis Speedway.[1]

Manufacture

1915 Cornelian replica
1915 Cornelian replica

The 1914 Cornelian was manufactured by Howard E. Blood (of the Allegan, Michigan-based Blood Brothers Machine Company), who had joined forces with Swiss racecar driver Louis Chevrolet. Chevrolet used a Cornelian to qualify for the 1915 Indy 500 race, with a qualifying speed of 81.01 mph (130.373 km/h). Chevrolet did not finish the race, having to drop out on the 77th lap when an engine valve failed (he placed 20th in the results).[2] However, the appearance was good for business, and orders came into Blood's office. However, only a few units had been produced[3] when Blood halted production.

The cycle car was powered by a 4 Cylinder Sterling engine [4] and boasted a light weight of 500 kg (1,102 lb) displacing 103 cubic inches (1.7 L). The automobile body was monocoque; the rear wheels had independent suspension, and the front wheels were mounted on a suicide axle.

The Indy 500 museum has one of these vehicles on display.

References

  1. ↑ http://vtauto.org/magicmotoring.php?ID=78 Vermont Auto Enthusiasts website, accessed 3 November 2009
  2. ↑ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2006-05-08. Retrieved 2006-06-24. INDY 500 website
  3. ↑ One reference states that "less than 20" units were built; another says that production was halted at 100 units
  4. ↑ http://www.museumofamericanspeed.com/RS/SR/Alternate/17/4497~3_L_15ba0220.JPG
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