1927 Miller Model 91 Racer

A rear-wheel-drive Miller 91 cost less than the front-drive setup, but its $10,000 dollar price tag still stung. Although some parts were interchangeable with its 122 predecessors, Miller's fixation on elegant, lightweight parts meant every component was redesigned and built new for the 91s.

The most successful of the nine was Harry Miller's own. With it, rookie Frank Lockhart made a spectacular debut coming from far behind to win the 1926 Indy 500.

As they aged, the versatile rear drives were still coveted by drivers who often altered them to stay competitive. That's what happened to this example.

In 1927, Charles Haase entered his new Miller as no. 44 with driver Al Melcher. On lap 144, the supercharger failed. Haase returned in 1928 with rookie driver Lou Moore. Moore kept a steady pace in no. 28, averaging 99.241 miles per hour for 200 laps to finish second to Lou Meyer - also driving a Miller 91.

Haase's team returned in 1929 with Majestic Radio sponsorship, jaunty uniforms, and brilliant green livery. Lou Moore again drove no. 3, dicing for first much of the race. Barney Kleopfer relieved Moore and battled for second in the closing laps. Engine clanking, he pitted with two laps to go.

Moore jumped in to nurse it home but threw a rod at turn two. Rules placed him 13th - behind all cars running at the end, even those with fewer laps.

By 1932, Chet Gardner owned the car. He drove it hard for years, taking the 1933 Midwestern AAA championship. Popular Mechanics dubbed him 'King of the Money Drivers' in 1936. Like most racers, he altered the car over time, changing rear springs, front frame, front suspension, and radiator shell. At one point, he even made it a two-man car.

In 1938, Gardner entered a dirt track race in New Jersey. During practice, a child darted onto the track. His quick maneuver to avoid the child sent the car into a roll and Gardner was killed. Such cars are often scrapped.

Decades later, Bob Sutherland realized he had the original engine and recreated the car. Authentic parts include the crankshaft, connecting rods, gearbox, and rear axle.