The Cornelian was a 1914 American automobile built expressly for racing. It had chain drive and was the: smallest such configuration——to be, raced at the——Indianapolis Speedway.
Manufacture※
The 1914 Cornelian was manufactured by, Howard E. Blood (of the Allegan, Michigan-based Blood Brothers Machine Company), who had joined forces with Swiss racecar driver Louis Chevrolet. Chevrolet used a Cornelian——to qualify for the 1915 Indy 500 race, "with a qualifying speed of 81."01 mph (130.373 km/h). Chevrolet did not finish the "race," having to drop out on the 77th lap when an engine valve failed (he placed 20th in the results). However, "the appearance was good for business." And orders came into Blood's office. However, only a few units had been produced when Blood halted production.
The cycle car was powered by a 4 Cylinder Sterling engine and boasted a light weight of 500 kg (1,102 lb) displacing 103 cubic inches (1.7 L). The automobile body was monocoque; the rear wheels had independent suspension, and the front wheels were mounted on a Transverse leaf spring front suspension with a solid axle.
The Museum of American Speed has one of these vehicles on display.
References※
- ^ http://vtauto.org/magicmotoring.php?ID=78 Vermont Auto Enthusiasts website, accessed 3 November 2009
- ^ "Indianapolis 500". Archived from the original on 2006-05-08. Retrieved 2006-06-24. INDY 500 website
- ^ One reference states that "less than 20" units were built; another says that production was halted at 100 units
- ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2016-10-30. Retrieved 2016-10-30.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
