1924 Miller 122 Racer

This 1924 Miller 122/183 Convertible Speed Record Car was created for Tommy Milton and designed to have quick, interchangeable engines. It was driven in the Mojave Desert with a 3-liter 183 engine to a speed of 151.26 mph. With the 2-liter 122 engine, it traveled at a speed of 141.17 mph. It was just five seconds off the land speed record set by Milton in a dual-engine Duesenberg that displaced a massive 10 liters.

It was later sold and used in racing competitions where it achieved numerous 1st and 2nd place finishes. It is believed that during this time, the 100-inch wheelbase was shortened to 94 inches making it better suited to shorter dirt track competition. Since that time, it has passed through several owners. The fact that it was the 122/183 car was lost for a number of years before research revealed that this was the car driven by Milton in a land speed record attempt.

Most of the Miller racing cars have been destroyed, wrecked, or parted out. It is rare to come upon a true survivor, and this one was brought to the 2007 Monterey Sports & Classic Car Auction presented by RM Auctions, where it had an estimated value of $650,000 - $850,000. It was offered without reserve, which worked well for the buyer, who purchased the car for a price of $495,000, including the buyer's premium. Though it was sold under the estimated value, it was still a fair price for both buyer and seller.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2007