Special Roadster

The 1952 Cummins Diesel Special is credited with starting the Roadster Revolution at the Indianapolis 500. Don Cummins and Frank Kurtis collaborated to develop one of the most innovative designs in the history of the race. By mounting the engine on its side and offset to the left, the center of gravity was lowered and aerodynamics improved. The resulting car was only 29 inches high and the driver now sat lower than ever: the roadster was born! Other innovations include driver-operated radiator shutters, driver-adjustable suspension, dual caliper disc brakes, and turbocharging, along with a paint scheme designed by famed architect Harr Weese. The car qualified on pole at 138.100 mph but dropped out of the race after 71 laps when the turbocharger became clogged with tire rubber debris. The car is unrestored, in running condition, and is housed at the Heritage Center of Cummins Inc., a global technology leader since 1919.