1928 Hispano Suiza H6C Skiff

This is the way Hispano-Suiza sold all of its top-of-the-line models: as chassis only. With two-seater roadster coachwork, a chassis like this raced at Indy in 1928 - not in the 500 but in an amusingly conceived match race.

The bet - made during the London Motor Show the previous Fall - followed an argument that a Cadillac was faster than a Rolls-Royce. Willing to carry the banner for the New World was Stutz president Fred Moskovics, who said he'd be delighted to take on a Rolls. Frenchman Charles Terres Weymann asked if Hispano-Suiza would do it instead. Fred suggested 24 hours for the race and Indianapolis (where the Stutz was manufactured) for the place. Weymann agreed. It was all very friendly, but a $25,000 wager on the outcome guaranteed that both sides would really be trying.

When introduced, the H6 series Hispano had been arguably the world's most advanced car. Though giving away 182 cubic inches, Moskovics was convinced the technology would carry the day. What the Hispano had that the Stutz did not, however, was blinding acceleration. And what Fred did not count on was factory driver Tom Rooney aware of his boss's $25,000 wager. Under merciless over-revving, the Stutz broke a valve-keeper and at the 20th hour, the valve finally dropped into the engine. With his $25,000 won, Weymann cheerfully agreed to Moskovics' entreaty for another race for the remaining four hours. A fresh Blackhawk was produced and more prudently driven at the outset, easily beating the Hispano this time.