1927 Miller Indy Racer news, pictures, and information

View more photos

By the 1920s, professional race teams had replaced most of the modified stock cars that had replaced most of the modified stock cars that had dominated motor sports competition through the first two decades of the 20th century. Stock-based chassis and bodies were also giving way to purpose-built racers, such as this front-wheel drive Miller. In fact the years between 1919 and 1929 are viewed by many historians as the 'golden age of the thoroughbred American racing car.'

During this period, purpose-built racers from Duesenberg and Miller dominated the scene, as they alternated wins at the Indianapolis 500 race. In 1924 Duesenberg introduced centrifugal supercharging to the speedway - forced induction by means of a gear-driven compressor. Harry Miller soon became a specialist in this department, applying supercharging to his own racing engines.

This racer was purchased from the Miller factory in California by Pete DePaolo in 1927. Its first outing was in Atlantic City where it overheated very badly. Equipped with a large radiator, DePaolo then took the car to Indianapolis for the '500.' Several days before the race, the car's supercharger gears failed. These gears were a documented problem in many of Miller's racers. New gears were flown in from the factory, and the resurrected racer was running in second place when this set also failed.

DePaolo then turned to another company for his gears and went on to first place finishes at Altoona and Salem. He continued to place well throughout the year and despite all the problems with the car, went on to win the AAA national championship. The car then changed hands several times and was used in the MGM movie, 'The Crowd Roars.' It was then rebuilt several times, winning the 1930 Indy '500' with Billy Arnold behind the wheel.

The car was restored to its 1927 factory condition using the original DePaolo engine and other parts found by Chuck Davis. Dave Hentschel of Hentschel Automotive did the restoration. It is on loan at the AACA Museum, courtesy of The Miller Race Car Collection.

Source - AACA Museum

View more photos
Engine Num: 14

For 1926, the regulations covering Grand Prix racing further reduced the allowable engine size to 1.5-liters, or 91 cubic-inches, for supercharged engines. The Indianapolis race adhered to these rules and the cars produced in Harry Miller's shop for the new formula represent, in the option of many historians, the pinnacle of American racing car design. While Miller was also building front-drive race cars, they were only suitable for Indianapolis and on board tracks; those wanting to compete on dirt tracks opted for the conventional rear drive layout. The 91 cubic-inch engine was similar in appearance to previous Miller straight eights, with every component part reduced in size and weight to the absolute minimum. This example has Miller Engine No. 6 (of just seven built) and correct transmission and rear end. In recent years this car has been a frequent participant at the annual Miller gathering at the Milwaukee Mile.

View more Indianapolis vehicles

Similar Vehicles
Pre-War FWD
1939 Citroen 2CV
1938 Citroen Traction Avant
1938 Georges Irat 6CV
1938 Miller FWD Indy Car
1938 Phantom Corsair
1938 Triumph Dolomite
1937 Adler Rennlimousine Competition
1937 DKW F7
1937 Triumph Dolomite
1935 Adler Trumpf Jr
1935 Audi Type 225
1932 Bucciali TAV 12
1931 Cord L-29
1931 Packard TwinSix FWD V12 Prototype
1930 Cord L-29
1930 Ruxton Model C
1930 Tracta Model E
1929 Cord L29
1929 Ruxton Model C
1925 Miller 122 Front Drive