1936 Elgin Piston Pin Two-Man Indy Racer

The Great Depression affected industries on a global scale. The automobile industry was not shielded from this catastrophe; many prominent and well-established businesses were forced to close their doors forever. The racing industry was the same; people were unwilling or unable to participate as either an entrant or a spectator as they had done prior to The Great Depression. To re-stimulate racing, Indy created the 'Junk Formula', which was aimed at attracting low-cost racers and home-grown specials to participate. The rules were more relaxed and the response was spectacular. In 1933, a total of 42 cars lined up for top honors. This caused other problems or at least fueled problems that were already existent, mainly safety concerns. From 1931 through 1935, there were 15 fatalities. The problems were many, such as faster racing speeds, track conditions, and an increase in drivers. To help alleviate this problem, some of the bricks in parts of the track were removed and the area was repaved with tarmac.

The supercharged 91 cubic-inch Millers and Duesenbergs of the 1920s had dominated the Indy racing scene. They were powerful, advanced, and well-refined. The race cars were now able to achieve speeds topping 124 mph. To bring competition back to Indy, and to reduce the speeds, the Junk Formula was established. This helped bring back many production passenger car producers, as many of the racing specials were built atop passenger car chassis.

At the age of 36, Frank Brisko of Milwaukee assembled parts from a wrecked Miller car and began work on the Elgin Pison Pin racing special. The engine castings were from speedboat racer Dick Loynes, who had acquired drawings from Miller's bankruptcy sale. After tuning and tweaking, the four-cylinder overhead cam engine displaced 255 cubic inches. Other components came from a Miller, including the frame and steering setup. The rear axle and clutch were from a Ford V8.

The Elgin Piston Pin two-man Indianapolis race car was brought to the 1936 Indy 500 race where it qualified 20th after achieving 114.213 mph. During the race, the car was plagued with mechanical difficulties, resulting in a loss of 21 minutes. Brisko made six pit stops to patch a leaky fuel tank and a leaky water pump. On the 179th lap, the car had used up the entire allowable supply of fuel. In 1936, 37.5 gallons were allowed. The car had come to a stop with just twenty-one laps to go. After the race, the car was officially credited with 20th place.

The car was used in various races during 1936 and possibly into 1937. The early history of the car is not fully known. The car may have been used by Brisko at the Roby track in Hammon, Indiana in late September where Brisko finished third. In October, Brisko competed in the George Vanderbilt Cup race on Long Island where he qualified 37th. The race totaled 75 laps and 300 miles. The Elgin Piston Pin car completed 65 laps and was officially awarded 20th place.

In 1953, the car was purchased by its next owner, who would keep the car for over fifty years. The car is now fitted with a Ford V8 engine and a tubular front axle. This car was offered for sale at the 2006 Bonhams & Butterfields auction held at the Quail Lodge in Carmel, California where it was estimated to sell between $300,000 - $500,000. At the auction, the car did find a new owner, though it sold for much less than the estimated value. A new owner got a bargain with a winning bid of $160,000.

By Daniel Vaughan | May 2007