1930 Stutz Series M Indy Race Car
In 1931, the Indianapolis was run under the ‘junk formula’ which let cars like this Model M Stutz compete. This pitted essentially stripped production cars like the Stutz against purpose-built cars from Duesenberg and Miller.
Milton Jones purchased his Stutz Vertical Eight Torpedo Speedster and did little to prepare the car for Indianapolis. He removed the windshield, fenders, lights and beefed up the suspension slightly.
Lora. L. Corum was hired to race the car and qualified 17th at an average speed of 94.13 mph. He was joined by riding mechanic Freddy Patterson who was required by the new regulations. In their relatively stock car they finished 11th overall, only stopping once for fluids.
In 2009 the car was auction by Gooding & Company for their Pebble Beach Auction. they described the car as “Today this historic car has had the benefit of a comprehensive restoration. It wears a black and red livery typical of sporting Safety Stutzes and its lack of fenders, bumpers, lamps and windscreen exaggerate the outstanding boattail coachwork. This important car is eligible for a wide variety of events and is a well-known and unique piece of Indy racing history.”.
In Detail
| type | Racing Car |
| built at | Indianapolis, USA |
| production | 1 |
| engine | Inline-8 |
| position | Front Longitudinal |
| aspiration | Natural |
| displacement | 5277 cc / 322 in³ |
| power | 82.0 kw / 110 bhp @ 3600 rpm |
| specific output | 20.85 bhp per litre |
| front brakes | Hydrualic Drums |
| rear brakes | Hydrualic Drums |
| f suspension | Rigid Axle w/Semi-Elliptical Leaf Springs, Friction Shock Absorbers |
| r suspension | Live Axle w/Semi-Elliptical Leaf Springs, Friction Shock Absorbers |
| transmission | 4-Speed Manual |
