CELEBRATION OF AUTOMOBILES May 14-15, 2011 - Indianapolis ...

100th Anniversary Indy 500 

CELEBRATION OF AUTOMOBILES 

May 14-15, 2011

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

Welcome....................................................................................................................................................2 

Celebration of Automobiles Schedule........................................................................................................4 

Month of May Schedule.............................................................................................................................5 

Celebration of Automobiles Awards...........................................................................................................7 

List of Entrants............................................................................................................................................8 

Celebration of Automobiles Committee...................................................................................................14 

List of Judges............................................................................................................................................14 

Honorary Head Judge: Parnelli Jones.......................................................................................................16 

Honorary Judges: Danny Sullivan and Johnny Rutherford.......................................................................23 

1911 Manufacturers.................................................................................................................................24 

Winning Cars Collection...........................................................................................................................30 

Indianapolis Motor Speedway corporation 

& Indianapolis Motor Speedway, llc 

Board of Directors 

Mari H. George, Chairman 

Nancy L. George 

M. Josephine George 

Katherine M. George-Conforti 

Jack R. Snyder 

Andre B. Lacy 

Michael L. Smith 

Jerry W. Throgmartin 

INDIANAPOLIS MOTOR SPEEDWAY 

EXECUTIVE STAFF 

INDYCAR 

EXECUTIVE STAFF 

RESERVE YOUR 

PLACE IN HISTORY 

(800) 822-INDY 

Jeffrey G. Belskus President & Chief Executive Officer 

W. Curtis Brighton Executive Vice President 

Mark Dill Vice President, Marketing & Public Relations 

Ron Galle Vice President & Treasurer 

Robby Greene Senior Vice President & General Manager, 

IMS Productions 

Mel Harder Senior Vice President, Operations 

Fred J. Nation Executive Vice President, Communications 

Gretchen Snelling Vice President & General Counsel 

Rhonda Winter Chief Information Officer 

Randy Bernard 

Terry Angstadt 

Brian Barnhart 

Greg Gruning 

Steve Shunck 

Amy Konrath 

Denise Abbott 

Chief Executive Officer 

President, Commercial Division 

President, Competition & Operations 

Vice President, Sales 

Vice President, Media Relations 

Vice President, Public Relations 

& Communications 

Vice President, Public Relations 

Coverage Starts 

at 11 a.m. 

THE MOST IMPORTANT RACE IN HISTORY. 

see more at: IndianapolisMotorSpeedway.com/brick 

2011 CELEBRATION OF AUTOMOBILES 1

WELCOME 

On behalf of the Hulman–George 

family, it is my pleasure to 

welcome you to the Indianapolis 

Motor Speedway’s Celebration of 

Automobiles. By being a part of this event 

you are not only helping us celebrate the 

100th Anniversary of the Indianapolis 500 

Mile Race on May 29, but you are also writing 

history, as this occasion is the first event 

of its kind ever held at the Speedway. 

What you witness today with our first 

formal celebration of classic and historic 

automobiles not only commemorates this 

grand anniversary for The Greatest Spectacle 

in Racing but is also a special reminder 

of how the Indianapolis 500 shaped the 

development of the automobile in the 20th 

century. A direct connection to the “500” 

and the cars people purchased comes today 

from the first assembly of automobiles 

produced by the 24 manufacturers that 

gathered at The Brickyard that glorious 

day on May 30, 1911, to establish a 

tradition that now spans 100 years. 

I know I speak for all the employees of the 

Speedway by saying we are honored by the 

owners of these grand machines who chose 

to display their outstanding automobiles for 

all of us to admire. Many say upon visiting 

the Speedway that they can feel the spirits of 

all who have passed through these grounds 

over the past 102 years since the track was 

founded. Much the same can be said for 

the great cars we celebrate today, as many 

have been passed through generations. 

The emotion and passion of their owners 

of the past and those currently holding title 

is infused in these great cars, just as the 

nuts and bolts that hold them together. 

I hope that all of you can continue to be a 

part of our 100th Anniversary Indianapolis 

500 celebrations throughout the rest of 

May, as other automobiles are very much 

a focal point. In addition to the 67 winning 

cars you have seen in our museum, we will 

display nearly 250 vintage pace cars next 

weekend during qualifications. On A.J. Foyt 

Day, the day before “The Most Important 

Race in History,” we will also provide a 

display of vintage sprint and midget racers, 

many driven by Indy 500 champions. 

In closing, I would like to thank each of 

you for being with us today and ask that 

you send a special thank you to all the car 

owners who so generously have shared their 

treasured masterpieces. One unshakable fact 

that has always been true and will always be 

true about the Indianapolis 500: the event 

more than anything is about our legendary 

drivers and the magnificent cars they drove 

or helped develop with their heroic deeds. 

With warm regards, 

Jeff Belskus 

President & CEO 

Indianapolis Motor Speedway 

Left: Flanked by a 1935 

Duesenberg JN and 

a 1914 Marmon, IMS 

President and CEO Jeff 

Belskus announces 

the Celebration of 

Automobiles. 

2 2011 CELEBRATION OF AUTOMOBILES 2011 CELEBRATION OF AUTOMOBILES 

3

celebration of automobiles SCHEDULE 

month of may schedule 

SATURDAY MAY 14 CELEBRATION OF AUTOMOBILES 

5:00 – 7:30 a.m. Registration for Celebration Participants 

8:00 a.m. Celebration of Automobiles on display 

• Plaza and surrounding areas 

• Organized by classifications 

8:00 a.m. Celebration of Automobiles judging begins 

9:00 a.m. Public gates open 

• Cars on display with owners 

11:00 a.m. Celebration of Automobiles judging concludes 

Noon 

Indianapolis 500 Practice 

12:15 p.m. Awards Presentations (see pg. 7 for details) 

3:00 p.m. Celebration of Automobiles closes for the day 

6:00 p.m. Public gates close 

• Indianapolis 500 Practice concludes 

2011 MONTH OF MAY 

Saturday, May 14 

• Indianapolis Star Opening Day Ceremonies 

• Celebration of Automobiles 

- 250 rare classic cars showcased in judging competition. Honorary Judge — Parnelli Jones. 

• Indy 500 Practice. 

$10, kids 12 and under free. 

Sunday, May 15 

• Announcement of Greatest 33 all-time drivers of the Indy 500. 


$10, kids 12 and under free. 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. 

Monday, May 16 - Thursday, May 19 



Schedule is subject to change. 


5

MONTH OF MAY SCHEDULE 

AWARDS 

Friday, May 20 

• Fast Friday Practice 


Saturday, May 21 

• Pole Day Qualifying 

• 250 vintage pace cars of the 

Indy 500 will be featured. 

• 16 Candles Concert 1pm - 3pm 

• All Time Low Concert 3:30pm - 5pm 

$15, kids 12 and under free. 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. 

Sunday, May 22 

• Armed Forces Day 

• Bump Day Qualifying 

• Vintage pace cars and a commemoration 

of the 20th anniversary of Willy 

T. Ribbs’ historic qualification run. 

$15, kids 12 and under free. 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. 

Wednesday, May 25 

• American Family Insurance 500 

Festival Community Day 


Thursday, May 26 

• Firestone Freedom 100 

Practice & Qualifying 


Friday, May 27 

• Miller Lite Carb Day - featuring 

Staind & Papa Roach 

• Indy 500 Final Practice 

• Firestone Freedom 100 

(Firestone Indy Lights) 

• IZOD Performance Pit Stop Competition 


Saturday, May 28 

• A.J. Foyt Day 

• World’s largest autograph session 

• Public Drivers’ Meeting 

• Memorabilia show, vintage 

sprint and midget cars, Red Bull 

BMX Flatland Bike Stunts 

Free to the public. 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. 

Sunday, May 29 

• The 2011 Indianapolis 500 will start at 

Noon on Sunday, May 29 and 100 years 

of Indianapolis history will come to a 

head as 33 of the best drivers in the 

world race to take the checkered flag in 

“The Most Important Race in History.” 

Tickets start at $30. 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. 

Class Awards: 

Third in Class 

Second in Class 

First in Class 

THE INDIANAPOLIS MOTOR SPEEDWAY IS PLEASED TO 

PRESENT THE FOLLOWING AWARDS BASED UPON SELECTION 

BY THE DISTINGUISHED PANEL OF JUDGES: 

Special Awards: 

Best in Division I 

Best in Division II 

Best of Show 

Drivers’ Choice Award 

Most Outstanding 

Indiana–Built Automobile 

Presented by Auto Clubs 

Council of Indiana 

Most Outstanding Full Classic 

Presented by Indiana Region 

Classic Car Club of America 

All second- and third-place awards will be presented at 12:15 p.m. during the 

Celebration of Automobiles. 

All first place and special awards will be presented at the Celebration Awards Dinner 

Saturday evening, May 14, in the Plaza Pavilion. In addition to the presentation of the 

Awards, radio personality, author and Indianapolis Motor Speedway historian, Donald 

Davidson, will converse with our honorary judges and Indianapolis 500 Mile Race winners 

Parnelli Jones, Johnny Rutherford and Danny Sullivan as well as 2-time Indianapolis 500 

winners Al Unser, Jr. and Arie Luyendyk. 


7

list of entrants 

ENTRANT YEAR MAKE – MODEL ENTRANT YEAR MAKE – MODEL 

Tim Achenbach Sinking Spring, PA 1927 Stutz – AA Black Hawk Boattail Speedster 

Charles D. Adcock Oregon, OH 1925 Marmon – D 74 Sedan 

Jim Aldrich Raleigh, NC 1931 Chrysler – CG Imperial Roadster 

Kevin Anderson Indianapolis, IN 1950 Mercury – Coupe 

Robert M. Anderson Fishers, IN 1912 Stoddard-Dayton – Savoy 5-Passenger 

Jerold K. Anna Belleville, IL 1957 Mercedes-Benz – 300SL Roadster 

Joe & Nancy Bacon Indianapolis, IN 1956 Studebaker – Golden Hawk 

Olivia Baeke Overland Parks, KS 1936 Pontiac – Deluxe Cabriolet 

Sally Barnett Union Grove, AL 1927 Marmon – L Sport Coupe 

Sally Barnett Union Grove, AL 1927 Marmon – E-75 Speedster 

Charles Barngrover Cincinnati, OH 1961 Nash – Metropolitan Hard Top Coupe 

John M. Baron Stuart, FL 1927 Packard – 426 Roadster 

Norman C. Barrs London, England 1934 Stutz – SV16 Custom Sedan 

Michael P. Barry Canfield, OH 1920 HCS – Series 2 Roadster 

L.H.Bayley Carmel, IN 1958 Cadillac – Eldorado Convertible 

Phillip W. Belote Dunedin, FL 1932 Marmon – 8-125 Convertible Coupe 

Deidre & Walt Bender Erie, PA 1912 Stoddard-Dayton – 48 5-Passenger Roadster 

Don Berg Alanson, MI 1941 Cadillac – 6267D Convertible 

Robert W. & Diane Berry Fairlawn, OH 1929 Lincoln – L Dual Cowl Phaeton 

Eric D. Blom Carmel, IN 1956 Porsche – 356A Speedster Convertible 

John C. Bools, MD Hickory, NC 1923 Duesenberg – A 4-Door Sport Phaeton 

Jack Bowser Hawthorn Woods, IL 1932 Auburn – 8100A Cabriolet 

Ralph Boyer Dearborn Heights, MI 1938 Packard – 1605 4-Door Convertible Sedan 

Cecil Bozarth Chapel Hill, NC 1937 Lincoln – Zephyr HB-720 Coupe 

George C. Bradley Miami Shores, FL 1932 Marmon – Sixteen Sedan 

Bryan & Elizabeth Bransky Barrington, IL 1941 Ford – Lincoln Continental 2-Door Cabriolet 

Philip T. Bray Grosse Ile, MI 1940 Packard – Darrin 1806 Convertible Victoria 

John & Jan Brewer Davenport, IA 1928 Elcar – 8-82 Landau Roadster 

Robert D. Briglia DO Phillipsburg, NJ 1933 Packard – 1006 V-12 Cabriolet DeVille 

David Browne Wind Gap, PA 1922 Rolls-Royce – Silver Ghost Roadster 

Frank & Janet Burrows Anderson, IN 1949 Chrysler – Town & Country Convertible 

Russell Cameron Westfield, IN 1959 Chrysler – Imperial LeBaron 4-Door Sedan 

Norman Cangey Fairview Park, OH 1930 Marmon – Big 8 Sedan 

John Stephen Carbone, MD Cary, NC 1915 Buick – C-25 Touring 

Harvey L. Carter III Dallas, TX 1916 Stutz – Bearcat 

Margie & Joseph Cassini III West Orange, NJ 1938 Horch – 853 Roadster 

Chris Charlton South Paris, ME 1930 Mercedes-Benz – 540K Special Roadster 

Edward Chesney Naples, FL 1947 Lincoln – Continental Cabriolet 

Ken Clark Pittsfield, ME 1929 Cord – L-29 Cabriolet 

Brian & Kathy Coffee Dayton, OH 1926 Stutz – Verticle Eight AA Roadster 

Fred Cooke Sulphur, LA 1934 Packard – 1101 Coupe Roadster 

Lloyd & Debby Cranford Long Beach, AL 1936 Auburn – 852 SC Speedster 

Thomas F. Dallmann Wauwatosa, WI 1930 Packard – 645 Roadster 

Robert B. Davis Greensburg, PA 1923 Benz – LT Coupe 

J. Gregory Dawson Carmel, IN 1931 Marmon – Sixteen Limousine 

J. Gregory Dawson Carmel, IN 1931 Marmon – Sixteen Convertible Sedan 

J. Gregory Dawson Carmel, IN 1932 Marmon – Sixteen Victoria Coupe 

Randy & Susan Denchfield Chevy Chase, MD 1935 LaSalle – Series 50 Convertible Coupe 

Mark L. Desch Stillwater, MN 1932 Stutz – SV-16 Convertible Coupe 

Cris & Molly Detwiler New Stanton, PA 1946 Nash – Ambassador Slipstream 

Daniel Dinsmore Sparta, MO 1930 Studebaker – President 7-Passenger 

Dan DiThomas Dublin, OH 1925 Stutz – 693 Roadster 

Barry Dixon Noblesville, IN 1955 Cadillac – Series 62 2-Door 

John H. Dotlich Brownsburg, IN 1924 Ford – T Touring 

Raymond Drake Cripple Creek, CO 1911 Stutz – A Bearcat 

Jack Dunning Cambridge, OH 1921 Marmon – 34B Speedster 

Charles A. Eggert, Jr. Morristown, NJ 1930 Cadillac – 452 Cabriolet 

Jim Elliott Yorktown, VA 1928 Auburn – 8-115 Convertible Sedan 

George Elliott Cicero, IN 1937 Cord – 812 SC Phaeton 

George Elliott Cicero, IN 1957 Jaguar – XK 140 DHC 

George Elliott Cicero, IN 1953 Studebaker – Commander Coupe 

Margaret & Ken Ellis Rockville, IN 1953 Packard – Caribbean Convertible 

Albert O. Engel Richmond, CA 1934 Ford – Victoria 2-Door Sedan 

Albert O. Engel Richmond, CA 1948 Packard – Station Wagon 

Terry & Rita Ernest Port Huron, MI 1930 Pierce-Arrow – B Sport Phaeton 

Richard Fagersten Sparta, NJ 1940 Ford – Deluxe Coupe 

Dr. Lonnie Fallin Littleton, CO 1933 Marmon – Sixteen Convertible Coupe 

Anthony Ficco Wheat Ridge, CO 1933 Marmon – Sixteen Convertible Sedan 

Leon Flagg Whitefish Bay, WI 1956 Continental – Mark II Coupe 

Marvin Floren & Roger Floren III Fletcher, NC 1927 Georges Irat – A Cabriolet 

Edward Fontana Schiller Park, IL 1947 Ford – Super Deluxe Coupe 

Richard & Diana Foster New Castle, IN 1938 Jaguar – SS100 Roadster 

Richard & Diana Foster New Castle, IN 1952 Jaguar – XK120 OTS 

Richard & Diana Foster New Castle, IN 1959 Jaguar – XK150S DHC 

William Gallihugh Carmel, IN 1951 MG – TD Roadster 

Lloyd Ganton Spring Arbor, MI 1911 Cutting – Touring 4-Door 

John C. Geiger Kokomo, IN 1957 Oldsmobile – Holiday Cp 88, 2-Door 

Thomas S. Georgoules Chicago, IL 1931 Cadillac – 370A 7-Passenger Limousine 

Dan Gernatt Collins, NY 1933 Chrysler – CL Imperial LeBaron Phaeton 

Charles B. Gillet Baltimore, MD 1931 Cadillac – 452A All Weather Phaeton 4-Door Convertible 

Tim Gilmartin Centennial, CO 1936 Cord – 810 Westchester 

Bob & Grace Gluck Long Valley, NJ 1940 Cadillac – 75 Convertible Sedan Fleetwood 

Bob & Rosalie Gollner Kokomo, IN 1923 Apperson – Jack Rabbit 4 Door Sedan 

Bob & Rosalie Gollner Kokomo, IN 1922 Haynes – Speedster 

Tom Griffith Verona, WI 1950 Lea-Francis – 2 1/2 Liter Sports 

John Grunder Torrington, CT 1929 Stutz – Blackhawk L6 4-Passenger Speedster 

Phil Gumpert Noblesville, IN 1936 Cord – 810 Convertible “Sportsman” Coupe 

Phil Gumpert Noblesville, IN 1958 Porsche – Speedster 

Fred Guyton St. Louis, MO 1930 DuPont – G Waterhouse Convertible Victoria 

Sam Haberman Birmingham, MI 1934 Chrysler – Airflow Sedan 


9

LIST OF ENTRANTS 


Beuford Hall Clermont, IN 1914 Cole – 9-4 G 5-Passenger Touring 

Charles Clayton Hamilton Indianapolis, IN 1931 Oakland – 4-Door Sedan 

Gerry Hasen Beavercreek, OH 1954 Packard – Pacific Hardtop 

John B. Haydon River Hills, WI 1928 Stutz – BB Brougham 5-Passenger Sedan 

Jerry & Marthann Heil Dayton, OH 1928 Marmon – 78 Touring 4-Door 

Mary Jo Hesselback Jackson, MI 1912 Jackson – 32 5-Passenger Touring 

Debbie Hileman Akron, IN 1957 Ford – Skyliner Hard Top Convertible 

Charles R. Hoaglund East Moline, IL 1927 Velie – 50 Roadster 

Fred Hoch Sewell, NJ 1911 Mercer – 35 R Raceabout 

James E. Hockett Indianapolis, IN 1948 Buick – Super 5GS Convertible 

George J. & Karen J. Holinga Grove City, OH 1947 Packard – Custom Super 8 4-Door 

George W. Holman Wilbraham, MA 1928 Stutz – Blackhawk 2-Passenger Speedster 

Henry Horrocks Monkton, MD 1936 Ford – 68 Phaeton 

Mortimer G. Huber Park Ridge, IL 1911 Knox – R Roadster 

Paul A. Ianuario, Sr. Duncan, SC 1912 Hudson – 33 Speedster 

Robert B. Jacko West Lafayette, IN 1933 Packard – 1002 5- Passenger Sedan 

Philip E. Jacobson Jr Xenia, OH 1957 Cadillac – Coupe de Ville 2-Door 

Kellie & Brad Janousek Bellevue, MI 1931 Buick – 96C Cabriolet 

Mike & Doug Jansen Kendallville, IN 1946 MG – TC 

Carl & Carrol Jensen Vernon, WI 1930 Stutz – M 2-Passenger Speedster 

Brett Johnson Indianapolis, IN 1951 Porsche – 356 Cabriolet 

Tom & Connie Jones Nicholasville, KY 1938 Bentley – 4 1/4 “Top Hat” 

Tom & Gloria Kannas Treynor, IA 1927 Marmon – L 2-Door Speedster 

Chuck & Judy Kelley Barrington, IL 1950 Cadillac – 61 4-Door 

John Kelsey Camdenton MO 1914 Stutz – E Bearcat 

Kevin Kerr Brownsburg, IN 1930 Ford – A Coupe 

Kelly Kinzle New Oxford, PA 1922 HCS – S4 Open 4-Door 

Leslie Kittenbrink Pittsburgh, PA 1935 Auburn – 851 SC Phaeton 

John Klein Indianapolis, IN 1931 Duesenberg – J472 Rollston Convertible Victoria 

John Klein Indianapolis, IN 1937 Packard – 1507 Convertible Victoria 

Charles & Arlene Kleptz Union, OH 1911 Marmon – 32 Speedster 

Charles & Arlene Kleptz Union, OH 1916 Marmon – 34A Raceabout 

Charles & Arlene Kleptz Union, OH 1926 Marmon – D-74 Victoria Coupe 

Charles & Arlene Kleptz Union, OH 1931 Marmon – Sixteen 5-Passenger Sedan 

Jim & Mylien Kruse Fort Wayne, IN 1913 Renault – EK Roadster 

Keith & Vickie Kruse Fort Wayne, IN 1911 Renault – AX Roadster 

Linda & Richard Kughn Dearborn, MI 1958 Cadillac – Eldorado Biarritz 2-Door Convertible 

Linda & Richard Kughn Dearborn, MI 1936 Pierce-Arrow – 1603 Town Car 

Charles J. Kuhn Glenview, IL 1934 Buick – 66C Convertible Coupe 

James H. Lackey Huntington, WV 1923 Jordan – MX Roadster 

Lane Motor Museum Nashville, TN 1947 Tatra – T-87 Sedan 

Clem & Mary C. Lange Huntingburg, IN 1912 Stutz – A Bearcat 

Russell T. & Robert P. Lyon Elberton, GA 1924 Marmon – 34C 7-Passenger Phaeton 

Chris MacAllister Indianapolis, IN 1933 Marmon – Sixteen Victoria Coupe 

Gerald & Edna Mann Indianapolis, IN 1927 Cadillac – 1164B Dual Cowl Phaeton 

Gerald & Edna Mann Indianapolis, IN 1931 Cord – L-29 Cabriolet 

Sam & Emily Mann Englewood, NJ 1937 Mercedes-Benz – 540 K Special Roadster 

Kent Marburger Palatine, IL 1930 Packard – 745 Roadster 

Butch & Sue Marcione Gardnerville, NV 1930 Marmon – Big 8 7-Passenger Hayes 

Masterpiece Classic Cars, Inc. Whiteland, IN 1941 Buick – Roadster Convertible 

Steve Matthews Allen, TX 1950 Nash – Statesman Brougham 

Don Maw Thorntown, IN 1930 Ford – A Roadster Deluxe 

Bruce & Kathie McBroom Sante Fe, NM 1932 Stutz – DV-32 Convertible 

Jim McDonald Bloomfield Hills, MI 1940 Lincoln – Continental Cabriolet 

Hugh P. McKnight Indianapolis, IN 1936 Cord – 810 Convertible Phaeton 

Hugh P. McKnight Indianapolis, IN 1941 Lincoln – Continental 16H56 Convertible 

John McNabola Park Ridge , IL, 1935 Packard – 1207 Club Sedan 

John B. McNally Monroe, NH 1932 Ford – B520 Deluxe Coupe 

Brent Merrill Toronto, Ontario 1932 Marmon – Sixteen Convertible Coupe 

Brent Merrill Toronto, Ontario 1932 Stutz – Super Bearcat Convertible 

Shawn Miller Indianapolis, IN 1925 McFarlan – TV6 Limousine 

Bill & Sonya Miller Frankfort, IN 1948 Tucker – Sedan 

Rex J. Miltenberger Niles, MI 1931 Studebaker – President Speedway Roadster 

Richard Mitchell Montgomery, TX 1930 Stutz – M Lancefield 

Richard Mitchell Montgomery, TX 1932 Stutz – M Bearcat 

Robert Mizicko Vienna, OH 1931 Lincoln – K-206 Coupe 

Charles L. Mong Indianapolis, IN 1934 Packard – 1107 Coupe Roadster 

Everett & Holly Moore Kansas City, MO 1960 Dodge – Matador 2-Door Coupe 

Tom Moretti Inverness, IL 1934 Packard – 1107 Convertible Victoria 

Charles Morgan Carmel, IN 1932 Cadillac – 355B Roadster 

Dr. Wellington C. Morton St. Johns, FL 1921 McFarlan – TV6 Touring 

Donald L. Nichols Lompoc, CA 1925 Hispano-Suiza – H6B Laundolet 

Greg Ornazian Troy, MI 1936 Cord – 810 Cabriolet 

Steve Ortman Kokomo, IN 1932 Chrysler – Imperial CH RS Coupe 

Ron Palmer Sonoma, CA 1924 Marmon – 34C 4-Passenger Sports Speedster 

Norma H. Perin Cincinnati, OH 1937 Packard – 1508 Convertible Sedan 

Gene & Sally Perkins Greenwood, IN 1937 Delahaye – M 135 Cabriolet 

Dr. Bryan Perkins Greenwood, IN 1934 Mercedes-Benz – Cabriolet Convertible 

Don & Ann Plesner Indianapolis, IN 1961 Studebaker – Lark VI 4-Door 

Victor G. Plumbo Ocean City, NJ 1914 Mercer – Raceabout 

Mitch Pollvogt St. Louis, MO 1933 Plymouth – PD Cabriolet 

Edward L. Prince Oldsmar, FL 1931 Studebaker – President Dual Cowl Phaeton 

Larry A. Pritchard Indianapolis, IN 1948 Oldsmobile – Club Sedan 2-Door 

Glen & Janice Pykiet Wentzville, MO 1926 Franklin – 11A 4-Door Sedan 

James W. Quattrocchi Indianapolis, IN 1953 Oldsmobile – 98 Holiday Coupe 

Ragtops Auto Museum Michigan City, IN 1957 Mercury – Turnpike Cruiser Convertible 

Ragtops Auto Museum Michigan City, IN 1958 Pontiac – Bonneville Convertible 

George Randall Caseyville, IL 1938 Cadillac – 75 2-Door Convertible 

Jeffrey Rapkin Yorktown, IN 1958 Buick – Century 4-Door Hard Top 

Richard Ray Brighton, MI 1930 Packard – 740 Touring 


11

LIST OF ENTRANTS 


Mary E. Redding Indianapolis, IN 1937 Rolls-Royce – 25/30 Sedanca de Ville 

Roberts V. Reed North Kingstown, RI 1910/ ‘11 Pope-Hartford – T Touring 

John Rehberg Springfield, NE 1920 Stutz – G Bearcat 

Ronald K. Rheinhardt Evansville, IN 1958 Packard – Hawk 58L K9 

Frank Ricciardelli Monmouth Beach, NJ 1926 Hispano-Suiza – Cabriolet H6B Convertible Victoria 

Dyke & Sue Ridgley Decatur, IL 1933 Marmon – Sixteen 7-Passenger 

Roger & Linda Rodine Denver, CO 1911 Warren-Detroit – 11C 5-Passenger Touring 

Russ Rodriguez Itasca, IL 1937 Cord – 812 Cabriolet 

Dale E. Roe Cincinnati, OH 1930 Ford – A 150B Woody Station Wagon 

Dale E. Roe Cincinnati, OH 1931 Ford – A Deluxe Phaeton 

Russ Rogers Matthews, NC 1921 Marmon – 34 B Roadster 

F.A. Rohrbach Emmaus, PA 1931 Cadillac – 370A V-12 Fleetwood Roadster 

Harry D. Saunders Atlanta, GA 1927 Marmon – E-75 7-Passenger Sedan 

Wayne & Mary Saunders Dorchester, ON 1930 Stutz – M8-46 Convertible Coupe 

Phil G. D. Schaefer Indianapolis, IN 1959 Lincoln – Mark IV Formal Sedan 

Don Schell Camp Hill, PA 1948 Lincoln – Continental Convertible 

Ray Scherr Westlake Village, CA 1938 Alfa Romeo – 8C Touring Spider 

Ronald Schneider Franklin, WI 1936 Stout-Scarab – Sedan 

Ed & Judy Schoenthaler Oak Brook, IL 1930 Cord – L-29 “Brooks Stevens” Speedster 

Kary E. Scholl Bloomington, IN 1930 Marmon – Roosevelt Coupe 

Thomas Schroeder Valparaiso, IN 1926 Marmon – D74 5-Passenger Sedan 

Thomas Schroeder Valparaiso, IN 1928 Marmon – 78 Roadster 

Ray Schuler Elkhart, IN 1948 Lincoln – Continental 2-Door 

Mark Schultz Marcy, NY 1961 Porsche – 356B Cabriolet 

Les W. Sebring Indianapolis, IN 1929 Ford – A Phaeton 

Michael Sercer Brownsburg, IN 1961 Ford – Thunderbird Convertible 

Joseph Serritella Oak Brook, IL 1941 Ford – Super Deluxe Business Coupe 

Doug Seybold Westlake, OH 1940 Buick – 81C Phaeton 

Larry & Carolyn Shepherd Lebanon, IN 1932 Pontiac – V8 Sport Coupe 

Brad & Carolyn Shisler Columbus, OH 1957 Volkswagen – Euro Ragtop Sedan 

Brad & Carolyn Shisler Columbus, OH 1957 Volkswagen – Euro Sedan Sunroof 

Jeffrey Shively Greencastle, IN 1941 Cadillac – 6227D Deluxe Coupe 

Andy Simo Riverside, IL 1930 Stutz – SV-16 Monte Carlo 2-Door 

Jim Simpson Peru, IL 1957 Ford – Fairlane 500 Skyliner Convertible 

Ray Skillman Greenwood, IN 1956 Buick – 2-Door Hard Top 

Ray Skillman Greenwood, IN 1955 Chevrolet – BelAir Convertible 

Mike Smith Speedway, IN 1941 Oldsmobile – 98 Club Coupe 

Mark L. Smucker Goshen, IN 1931 Packard – 840 Individual Custom All Weather Sport Landaulet 

Mark L. Smucker Goshen, IN 1931 Packard – 840 Individual Custom Cabriolet Sedan Limousine 

David Snyder Hartford City, IN 1946 MG – TC Roadster 

Dennis Sobieski Downers Grove, IL 1934 Packard – 1408 Convertible Victoria 

Don Sommer Troy, MI 1930 Packard – 740 Phaeton 

Manny Souza Rehoboth, MA 1908 Alco – 60 7-Passenger Touring 

Richard L. Staadt Fort Wayne, IN 1914 Fiat – Typo 55 

Dr. Bud Stanley Clearwater, FL 1914 Fiat – Typo 55 Touring 

Ronald Stauffer Portland, IN 1953 Ford – Crestline Sunliner Convertible 

Allen & Nancy Strong Urbana, IL 1935 Auburn – 851 S/C Boattail Speedster 

Dick & Barbara Stumb Hampton Cove, AL 1922 Marmon – 34B Touring 

Robert P. & Gail H. Supina Richmond, TX 1937 Packard – Super Eight LeBaron Town Car 

Margus Sweigard Willoughby Hills, OH 1932 Buick – 96 7-Passenger Sport Phaeton 

Reed & Jan Tarwater Greenfield, IN 1933 MG – J2 Roadster 

Philip W. Taxman Saint Louis, MO 1939 SS – 2 ½ Liter 4-Door Jaguar Saloon 

R.D. & L.F. Taylor North Waikato, 1929 Marmon – Roosevelt Coupe 

New Zealand 

Danny G. Taylor Greenwood, IN 1955 Studebaker – President Speedster 2-Door Hard Top 

Skip & Susan Tetz Goshen, NY 1929 Cadillac – 1183B Dual Cowl Phaeton 

Clay Thomas Charlotte, NC 1922 Marmon – 34B Speedster 

Bob Thompson Columbus, IN 1960 Chevrolet – Impala Sport Coupe 

Bob Thompson Columbus, IN 1961 Chevrolet – Impala SS Convertible 

Joe & Peggy True Bedford, IN 1957 Chevrolet – BelAir 2-Door Hard Top 

Robert W. Valpey Center Harbor, NH 1912 Stutz – A Bearcat Speedster 

Robert & Wanda VanBuskirk Indianapolis, IN 1947 Plymouth – Special Deluxe Station Wagon 

James H. & Joan A. Voyles Zionsville, IN 1958 Bentley – Saloon S 1 

Eddie Wachs Lake Bluff, IL 1913 Case – 40 5-Passenger Touring 

Wayne Co. Historical Museum Richmond, IN 1915 Westcott – U50 7-Passenger Touring 

Robert B. Werner Dayton, OH 1957 Cadillac – Eldorado Brougham 4-Door 

Neil L. West Bettendorf, IA 1917 Velie – 28 Touring 

Robert Westerman Cincinnati, OH 1939 Packard – V12 1707 Formal Sedan 

Mary Jane Cardwell 

& Eddie J. Wheeler Waycross, GA 1930 Ford – A Roadster 

Timothy C. White Lockport, NY 1928 Marmon – 78 Sedan 

Roger Willbanks Denver, CO 1941 Chrysler – Thunderbolt Convertible Coupe 

Bruce R. Williams Gates Mills, OH 1911 Marmon – 32 Speedster 

Bruce R. Williams Gates Mills, OH 1932 Marmon – Sixteen Phaeton 

Don S. Williams Centerville, OH 1940 Nash – Ambassador 6 Business Coupe 

David S. Wilson Kingman, IN 1929 Marmon – Roosevelt Sedan 

Tom Wilson Zionsville, IN 1945 MG – TC Midget 

Stephen & Janet Witort Reno, NV 1931 Cadillac – V12 Roadster 

Andy Wolf Indianapolis, IN 1938 Packard – 1605 Convertible Sedan 

Turner Woodard Indianapolis, IN 1929 Stutz – Dual Cowl Open 

Turner Woodard Indianapolis, IN 1933 Stutz – DV32 Hollywood 4-Door 

Donn H. Wray Carmel, IN 1937 Cord – Westchester 4-Door Sedan 

Jeffrey S. Wright Portland, IN 1961 Plymouth – Fury 2-Door Hard Top 

Harry Yeaggy Cincinnati, OH 1935 Duesenberg – Mormon Meteor Speedster 

Millard Young Piedmont, AL 1932 Cadillac – 355B 

Tedd W. Zamjahn Greendale, WI 1911 Cadillac – 30 

Dale & Judy Zinn Fremont, KS 1952 MG – TD Roadster 

Louis D. Zobrosky South Bend, IN 1952 Studebaker – Champion Hard Top 

Steven Zumdahl Seymour, IL 1911 Marmon – 32 Roadster 


13

LIST OF JUDGES AND COMMITTEE MEMBERS 

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Hulman–George family would like 

to sincerely thank the following individuals for their expertise and consultation 

during the various stages of bringing together the Celebration of Automobiles, 

an event which could not possibly have taken place without them: 

Jerry Weeks Baker 

Sally Barnett 

John Baron 

The Celebration of Automobiles Committee would like 

to extend a special thanks to Roy Query. 

Indianapolis, IN 

Union Grove, AL 

Hobe Sound, FL 

L. H. Bayley Carmel, IN 

Kai Binford 

Simon & Naomi Bolin 

Cecil Bozarth 

CELEBRATION OF AUTOMOBILES COMMITTEE 

Helen Vogel 

Sally Perkins 

George Maley 

CELEBRATION OF AUTOMOBILES JUDGES 

Phoenix, AZ 

West Lafayette, IN 

Chapel Hill, NC 

David Briscoe 

Gary Buckley 

John Carbone 

John Carlson 

Ken Clark 

Linda M. Conti 

Rick Davison 

Bill Greer 

Ellen Greenleaf 

Head Judge 

Gene Perkins 

Greenwood, IN 

Assistant Head Judge 

John Kefalonitis Blairstown, New Jersey 

Peru, IN 

Greentown, IN 

Cary, NC 

Belcarra, British Columbia 

Pittsfield, ME 

Coatesville, IN 


CELEBRATION OF AUTOMOBILES JUDGES (cont.) 

Daniel Dinsmore Sparta, MO 

Bill Miller 

Frankfort, IN 

Jack Dunning 

Cambridge, OH Shawn Miller 


Jim Elliott 

Yorktown, VA 

Tom Moretti 

Inverness, IL 

Terry Ernest 

Port Huron, MI Garry Navarre 


Fred Guyton 

St. Louis, MO 

Dan & Susan Phenicie Tipton, IN 

Clayton Hamilton Indianapolis, IN Larry Pritchard 


Larry Haskett 

Indianapolis, IN Bill Reitnour 

Miamisburg, OH 

George Holinga Grove City, OH Ronald Rheinhardt Evansville, IN 

Jeff Horrocks 

Monkton, MD 

Phillip Schaefer Indianapolis, IN 

Dennis Horvath Indianapolis, IN Ray Scherr 

Westlake Village, CA 

Carl & Carrol Jensen Vernon, WI 

Ray Schuler 

Elkhart, IN 

Brett Johnson 

Indianapolis, IN Mark Schultz 

Marcy, NY 

Fred Jones 

Fairfield, OH 

Doug Seybold 

Westlake, OH 

Tom & Connie Jones Nicholasville, KY Dave & Debra Sharp Indianapolis, IN 

Bob & Sheila Joynt Batavia, IL 

Jeffrey Shively 

Greencastle, IN 

Barbara Anna Kefalonitis Blairstown, NJ Dennis Sobieski Downers Grove, IL 

Justin Keith 

Indianapolis, IN Don Sommer 

Troy, MI 

Johnathan Keith Indianapolis, IN Sean Stephenson Indianapolis, IN 

Florrie Binford Kichler Indianapolis, IN Allen Strong 

Urbana, IL 

Jim Kruse 

Ft. Wayne, IN 

Dave Titlow 

Camby, IN 

James Lackey 

Huntington, WV Rob Titlow 


Vivian LaVine 

Nappanee, IN 

Joe True 

Bedford, IN 

Stephan Locker Glendale, OH 

Jane Tuttle 


Cathie Lyon 

Indianapolis, IN David Tyminski 

Terre Haute, IN 

Virgil Madden 

Indianapolis, IN Steve Vogel 


Sam Mann 

Englewood, NJ Rev. Clifford Vogelsang Indianapolis, IN 

Don Maw 

Thorntown, IN Jim & Joan Voyles Zionsville, IN 

John McNabola Park Ridge, IL 

Eddie J. Wachs Lake Bluff, IL 

John McNally 

Monroe, NH 

Judy Studebaker Warren Indianapolis, IN 

Gene Menne 

Fort Wayne, IN Bob Westerman Cincinnati, OH 

Brent Merrill 

Toronto 

Donn Wray 

Carmel, IN 

14 2011 CELEBRATION OF AUTOMOBILES 2011 CELEBRATION OF AUTOMOBILES 

15

honorary HEAD judge 

Parnelli. 

Without question one of the most iconic figures in the entire history 

of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Parnelli Jones participated 

in only seven 500 Mile Races and yet he laid down a series of 

epic performances which placed him among the exalted. 

STORY BY: DONALD DAVIDSON 

While many of the leading drivers over the 

years generally have refrained from publicly 

naming who they feel have been the best 

they ran against—behind the scenes at 

least—the name of the 1963 Indianapolis 

500 winner comes up with great frequency, 

even from contemporaries across the ocean. 

So highly rated was Parnelli by experts as a 

newcomer in 1961 that he was freely tipped 

by some to win even in his debut. In fact, 

some went so far as to suggest that he might 

well become the first driver ever to win the 

“500” for three years in succession. And this 

was before he had even taken a “rookie” test! 

It was to be three frustrating years before 

Parnelli finally won, but he clearly made his 

presence known from the very beginning. 

He was the first driver ever to lead in each of 

his first four starts, and not only did he lead 

at least some portion during five of his seven 

campaigns, he ran as high as second for 

many laps in the only two that he didn’t lead. 

As the first driver to break the “magic” 

150-mph “barrier” during qualifications, he 

started from the pole position twice (both 

times with one- and four-lap track records), 

and he never started worse than sixth. Not 

only was he the only driver to top 150 mph 

Main: “Calhoun,” the A.J. 

Watson–built “roadster” with 

which Parnelli was first to 

qualify in excess of 150 mph 

in 1962, and which carried 

him to victory in 1963. 


17


in 1962, he did so on all four 

of his qualifying laps. 

There have been 10 

occasions over the last 100 

years on which a driver has 

led 400 or more miles of the 

same “500.” Parnelli stands 

alone as the only driver ever 

to have done that twice, 

once in a winning effort (167 

out of 200 laps in 1963), and 

once in a race which did 

not result in a victory, 171 laps with Andy 

Granatelli’s revolutionary turbine-powered 

car in 1967. In fact, he also holds the dubious 

distinction, along with Emerson Fittipaldi, of 

having twice led at least 300 miles of a race 

he didn’t win, for in addition to 1967, he also 

paced the 1962 event for 120 of the first 125 

laps, until his brakes failed. 

Above: The J.C. Agajanian team 

after Jones set a new track 

record of over 150 mph in 1962. 

Opposite: A face “carved out of 

granite”: Parnelli Jones looking 

very much the part of the 

gunslinging race car driver. 

to see that anything less than a win was 

just not acceptable for this contender. 

The summary of his “career laps led” 

performance is that out of a total of 1,130 

laps he completed between 1961 and 1967, 

he led for 492 (an astonishing 43.5 percent), 

and he continues to rank seventh in that 

category to this day, the six drivers ahead of 

him each with a greater number of starts. 

But for a series of misfortunes, he likely 

would have won several times. 

In 1961, as a rookie, he started fifth and led 

for 27 of the first 75 laps until stunned when 

a rock struck him above the eye. Refusing 

to give up, he struggled on even with blood 

trickling down into his goggles, and he was 

still running at the end, flagged off in 12th 

position. Once described by a journalist 

as being “carved out of granite,” Parnelli 

slammed his gloves and goggles down in 

disgust when it was over, illustrating for all 

In 1962, even with his brakes gone and 

his sizable lead shrinking, he refused to be 

beaten. Easing off the throttle for the turns 

way earlier than he would have liked, he 

held off Rodger Ward for many laps and 

still would not give up even after Ward 

had passed him. While virtually any other 

driver surely would have pulled off into 

the infield grass at that point, or before, 

Parnelli soldiered on, making a final pit stop 

by deliberately running over a strategically 

placed wheel on the pit lane and brushing 

against the wall in an effort to get stopped. 

He avoided disaster and salvaged seventh, 

Ward suggesting for the rest of his life that 

Parnelli was the moral winner, not him. 

Not only was the 1963 race his third with 

car owner J.C. Agajanian, but it was with 

the very same car, a venerable 1960 A.J. 

Watson-built Offenhauser–powered 

“roadster,” lovingly referred to by team 

members as “Calhoun.” Parnelli broke his 

own qualifying records to sit on the pole 

for the second straight year, but even with 

his seemingly long-overdue win in sight, 

gremlins again raised their ugly heads. 

Late in the race, puffs of blue smoke 

began to indicate that drips of oil were 

seeping from a crack in the side of his 

externally mounted oil tank. There was to 

be controversy in abundance when Chief 

Steward Harlan Fengler contemplated 

issuing the dreaded black flag, which would 

have meant Parnelli having to go to the pits 

for consultation. All of a sudden, Fengler 

found himself embroiled in a veritable 

international incident. In second position 


19


was Scotland’s coming World Champion, 

Jim Clark, making his “500” debut with 

a rear-engined Ford-powered Grand 

Prix–based Lotus. Team principal Colin 

Chapman all but demanded that Parnelli 

be black-flagged, while Agajanian was 

claiming that while some oil may have been 

deposited, the “leak” had since ceased; that 

to black-flag Parnelli at this stage would 

have achieved nothing. Fengler evidently 

agreed, and Parnelli went on to win. 

In 1964, with “Calhoun” now five years old 

and a new rear-engined car at his disposal, 

Parnelli decided once again in favor of his 

old friend. With yet another modification 

to the front-end bodywork 

(a markedly different air 

scoop crafted by 

Chief Mechanic Johnnie Pouelsen), Parnelli 

took “Calhoun” to the front once more. Just 

past the 100-mile mark, he engaged in a 

spirited duel with A.J. Foyt and was still 

leading when he ducked in for a Lap-55 pit 

stop. Just as he was departing, static electricity 

caused a spark to ignite drops of spilled 

methanol, leading to an explosion and the 

horrors of a virtually invisible methanol 

fire. Parnelli bailed out and rolled along the 

pit lane, singed, but, as radio announcer 

Sid Collins put it at the following evening’s 

Victory Banquet, “escaping” from the hospital 

in order to appear at the festivities. 

In 1965, with “Calhoun” retired, Parnelli 

moved into a rear-engined Lotus obtained 

by Agajanian. The previous summer, with 

Jim Clark unavailable due to Grand Prix 

Right: Jones leads 120 

of the first 125 laps of 

the ‘62 race, only to be 

hampered by brake 

problems throughout 

the second half. 

Opposite: The 

“whooshmobile” sits 

on the track at IMS, 

silently as it did that 

May afternoon in ‘67. 

commitments in Europe, Parnelli had 

subbed for the Scot in the 200-mile races 

at Milwaukee and Trenton and had won 

both, prompting Colin Chapman to offer 

Parnelli the opportunity to partner Clark 

in Europe. Because he knew he would be 

subject to team orders and that as “number 

one” driver, Clark would be entitled to all of 

the preferential treatment, Parnelli politely 

declined. Following orders to run behind 

another driver simply was not in his makeup. 

As it was, his Agajanian-owned Lotus 

finished second to Clark at Indianapolis 

in 1965, down on power due to running 

a mixture of gasoline and methanol, and 

running completely out of fuel just moments 

after having taken the checkered flag. 

This was the first time he had not led a 

“500,” the second occasion coming a 

year later when he dropped out after 87 

laps, driving an Offenhauser-powered 

Halibrand Shrike for Agajanian. 

And so on to 1967, and Andy’s turbine. 

Starting sixth with the revolutionary 

four-wheel-drive Pratt & Whitney–powered 

car, Parnelli whipped by everybody and into 

the lead before the end of the backstretch 

on the very first lap and was far ahead 

when rain halted the proceedings after 

18 laps. The following day, he led virtually 

the whole way, headed only during pit 

stops, and he was ahead by half a lap when 

a rear-end bearing (said to have cost $6) 

failed just over three laps from the end. 

Although Parnelli was entered for the 1968 

race, he never turned a wheel, announcing 

that he was retiring from driving opencockpit, 

open-wheel cars for a variety of 

reasons not the least of which was the fact 

that his numerous business interests were 

seemingly multiplying by the minute. 

He never went back on his decision, although 

he did continue to race, winning the 1970 

SCCA Trans-Am title and a number of off-road 

racing events. Thus there were plenty more 

trophies to place next to those of the 1960 

USAC Midwest Sprint Car championship, the 

1961 and ‘62 National Sprint Car championship, 

and the 1964 USAC National Stock Car 

title, which he won driving Ford-backed 

Mercury products for Bill Stroppe. 

In the meantime, he had formed a race 

team with longtime friend and business 

partner Vel Miletich, out of which came 

the so-called “Super Team.” Driving 

George Bignotti–wrenched turbocharged 


21


HONORARY judges 

IN ADDITION TO HONORARY HEAD JUDGE PARNELLI JONES, TWO 

INDIANAPOLIS 500 LEGENDS WILL SERVE AS HONORARY JUDGES. 

JOHNNY RUTHERFORD 

Three-time Indianapolis 500 winner 

Johnny Rutherford (1974, 1976 and 1980) 

also captured the pole three times (1973, 

1976 and 1980), plus 27 Indy car victories 

between 1965 and 1986. He ranks near 

the top in several major “500” statistical 

categories, and was the fastest qualifier 

for the 1963 Daytona 500. Following a 

career as a racing broadcast analyst, he has 

long since served as a driver consultant 

and pace car driver at INDYCAR events. 

DANNY SULLIVAN 

Above: Parnelli stands behind 

George Bignotti and beside 

team co-owner Vel Miletich 

after driver Al Unser put the 

“Super Team” in Victory Lane in 

1970. The team would repeat 

the feat in 1971. 

Ford–powered Lola-based cars named PJ 

Colts, Al Unser won the “500” in 1970 and 

1971. Al also finished second in 1972 (just 

missing three in a row) while teammate Joe 

Leonard placed third, the latter winning 

the USAC National Championship in 1971 

and 1972, strongly supported by Unser 

and by Mario Andretti. There was even a 

brief foray into Formula One racing, with 

Andretti contesting the 1975 title with 

a Jones and Miletich–entered team. 

In 1979, none other than his old 

nemesis A.J. Foyt partnered with 

him and drove a Cosworth-powered 

“Parnelli” to second place in the “500.” 

It is now more than 30 years after 

all of that and yet he still reigns as a 

true icon ... PARNELLI JONES! • 

Best remembered for his amazing 

“spin-and-win” victory in the 1985 “500,” 

Danny Sullivan also virtually dominated the 

first half in 1988, leading for 91 of the first 

101 laps until brushing the wall. Partnered 

with Michele Alboreto on Ken Tyrrell’s 

Formula One team in 1983, he went on to 

win 17 Indy car races between 1984 and 

1993. He is currently called upon occasionally 

to attend Grand Prix events, assisting in 

officiating matters as a driver consultant. 


23

1911 manufacturers 

Homecoming: 

The Marques of 

1911 

STORY 

With the 100th Anniversary of the Indianapolis 500 fast 

approaching, it seemed only fitting to “call home” the 24 

manufacturers that participated in the inaugural “500” in 1911. 

BY: DONALD DAVIDSON 

Of the 24 automobile manufacturers that 

were represented by the 40 cars competing 

in the inaugural Indianapolis 500 on May 

30, 1911, only three companies were not 

American. Each owned by wealthy American 

sportsmen, there were a total of six cars from 

overseas, an ex–Grand Prix Mercedes being 

joined by a trio of Fiats and a pair of Benzes. 

The highest finisher among the foreign 

cars was one of the Fiats, driven by David 

Bruce–Brown. It led all but a handful of 

laps during the first half and finished third, 

edging out the Mercedes of Spencer Wishart 

which was rumored to have cost Wishart’s 

father a princely $60,000. Caleb Bragg, who 

later became an executive with the Bendix 

Corporation, dropped out early with his 

Fiat, while Eddie Hearne in the third car was 

flagged off at the end, still running but many 

laps behind. 

Longtime friends Bob Burman (holder at the time 

of the world land speed record at 147 mph, set at 

Main: This oft-reproduced but 

nonetheless stunning photograph 

from 1911 shows the second row 

roll off for the start of the inaugural 

“500.” Populating that row is a pair 

of Pope–Hartfords, a pair of Cases 

and the lone Westcott in the field. 


25


Daytona Beach) and Billy Knipper shared the 

Benz cars, both of which were still running 

at the end but many laps behind due to 

mechanical delays. 

Of the 21 American manufacturers 

represented, nine were from the state of 

Indiana, three of which were headquartered 

within five miles of the track. 

Triumphant, of course, was the famed 

six-cylinder streamlined single-seat Marmon 

“Wasp,” built by the engineering department 

of Nordyke & Marmon at the corner of West 

Morris Street and Kentucky Avenue. Because 

of complaints during practice that the car 

posed a potential safety hazard—by not 

carrying a riding mechanic to keep the driver 

apprised of passing cars and such—driver/ 

engineer Ray Harroun rigged up what is 

believed to have been the very first rearview 

mirror ever to be used on an automobile. 

Harroun stepped out of the cockpit for a few 

laps near the halfway point for a rest, turning 

the car over to Cyrus Patschke, an East Coast 

driver who was an expert at long-distance 

events. Patschke also shared the wheel of the 

more conventional Marmon of Joe Dawson, 

which finished fifth, Marmon being the only 

manufacturer in 1911 to have two cars finish 

within the top 10. 

Also from Indianapolis were a trio of 

stripped-down Nationals, one of which 

(driven by Johnny Aitken) went into the 

history books by leading the first four laps. 

Aitken dropped out late in the going, but 

Charlie Merz managed to finish seventh and 

Howdy Wilcox was still running when the 

race was called after 12 cars had completed 

the 500 miles. 

Also still running at the end was the Cole of 

Johnny Jenkins, the Cole headquarters in 

which it was built surviving to this very day 

on East Washington Street. 

A famous slogan was inspired for a 

brand-new local company when Norwegianborn 

Gil Andersen finished 11th, driving a 

prototype built under the direction of Harry 

Stutz. The fledgling Stutz firm was still a 

couple of months away from being able to 

make its products available to the public, but 

this successful debut provided Stutz with the 

catchy tagline he had been seeking: “Stutz: 

The car that made good in a day.” 

From outside of Indianapolis but within 

the state of Indiana were five other makes, 

namely Amplex, with two cars from 

Mishawaka (one of which placed eighth), a 

McFarlan from Connersville and an Inter- 

State from Muncie, both of which were still 

running at the end, plus two others which 

were taken out in an accident just before 

halfway, a Westcott from Richmond and an 

Apperson from Kokomo. 

Main: Spencer 

Wishart leads 

during the early 

stages, driving the 

imported Grand 

Prix Mercedes 

said to have cost 

his father $60,000. 


27


The highest finish by an American firm not 

based in Indiana was second by a Lozier, 

one of two in the race entered by a company 

which had just relocated from Plattsburgh, 

N.Y., to Detroit. Strictly a stripped-down 

production car (just as the track founders 

had originally envisioned for all entries), 

driver Ralph Mulford drove his Lozier down 

from Detroit personally early in the month 

and then drove it back a couple of days after 

the race was over. Teddy Tetzlaff, who would 

finish second in a Fiat the following year, 

crashed the other Lozier early in the race. 

Finishing sixth was one of two Simplex 

cars from New York City, this one driven by 

Italian-born Ralph de Palma, who within 

a couple of years would stand out as the 

most acclaimed of all the early “500” drivers. 

Coming home ninth was Fred Belcher aboard 

a lone, chain-driven Knox from Springfield, 

Mass., while 10th position (the last spot 

offering prize money) was claimed by Harry 

Cobe with one of the three Jackson cars 

from Jackson, Mich. 

Just outside of the first ten, finishing 11th 

and 15th, were a pair of Mercers from 

Trenton, N.J., while other makes still running 

at the end were a Firestone–Columbus from 

Columbus, Ohio (shared by Lee Frayer and 

his 20 year-old protégé, future World War I 

flying “ace” Eddie Rickenbacker), a Velie from 

Moline, Ill., a Pope–Hartford from Hartford, 

Conn., and a Cutting from Jackson, Mich. 

Main: The aftermath of a multicar 

accident just before the halfway 

mark shows the #18 Fiat of Eddie 

Hearne, and in the foreground, 

Harry Knight’s Richmond, Ind.– 

built Westcott #7. Off to the right 

can be seen the tail of the Blitzen 

Benz with which Bob Burman had 

recently set the world land speed 

record at Daytona Beach. 

The balance of the field was made up 

of three Case entries from the J.I. Case 

Threshing Machine Co. of Racine, Wisc. 

(none of which finished), a pair of Buicks 

(one driven by Arthur Chevrolet), Harry 

Grant’s 1909/1910 Vanderbilt Cup–winning 

ALCO from Providence, R.I., and a second 

Pope–Hartford. 

It is difficult to fully appreciate the sacrifices 

that some of the teams had to make in those 

days simply to reach the track. Perhaps 

the loudest applause of all should go to 

the hardy members of the Pope–Hartford 

team who were faced with quite an ordeal. 

Embarking on an over-the-road trip which 

took five days to complete, they actually 

drove their two cars to the track. Loading 

them down with toolboxes and spares, 

they started out from Hartford, Conn., and 

traveled to New York City, where they took 

part in a sendoff lunch and some promotional 

opportunities. The following morning, 

they headed for Indianapolis and, after 

making overnight stops in Buffalo, Cleveland 

and Columbus, Ohio, were met on the 

outskirts of Indianapolis on East Washington 

Street (the old National Road) by Frank Fox, 

the local Pope–Hartford “agent” who was to 

drive one of the cars in the race. 

A day or two after the race, the hardy crew 

then loaded everything back onto the two 

cars and drove them back to Hartford. • 


29

Winning cars 

The Ultimate 

INDY 500 

Winning Car Collection 

STORY BY: J. DOUGLAS BOLES 

The largest collection of Indianapolis 

500-winning cars ever assembled 

opened to the public Sunday, March 

20, 2011 at the Indianapolis Motor 

Speedway Hall of Fame Museum, with 

special added attractions for fans. 

The exhibit, which will be on display 

through June 1, will provide fans an 

opportunity to see 67 winning cars, 

representing 71 Indianapolis 500 victories. 

The exhibit is one of the many fan-friendly 

components of the celebration of the 100th 

Anniversary of the Indianapolis 500 in 2011. 

“We are celebrating the 100th anniversary 

of the world’s greatest race by building a 


31

Winning cars 

once-in-a-lifetime collection of winning 

cars,” said Ellen Bireley, IMS Hall of Fame 

Museum director. “The entire Museum 

will be devoted to the cars that won the 

Indianapolis 500 over the last century.” 

The exhibit will include the 31 winning cars 

owned by the IMS Hall of Fame Museum 

and 36 privately owned cars that have been 

loaned for this unique exhibit. 

Cars highlighted in the exhibit: 

• The Marmon “Wasp” driven to victory by 

Ray Harroun in the 1911 Indianapolis 500 

• All four cars to earn consecutive victories 

in the Indianapolis 500 (Boyle Maserati, 

Wilbur Shaw, 1939-40; Blue Crown Spark 

Plug Deidt/Offy, Mauri Rose, 1947-48; 

Fuel Injection KK500A/Offy, Bill Vukovich, 

1953-54; Belond Exhaust Salih Offy, 

1957, Sam Hanks, 1958, Jimmy Bryan) 

Top: Three-time “500” winner 

Bobby Unser stands next to 

his 1968 Offy/Eagle, one of 67 

winning cars on display at the 

Indianapolis Motor Speedway 

Hall of Fame Museum. 

Above: The fastest man in 

IMS history, Arie Luyendyk, 

sits on the tire of the 1990 

Chevy-powered Lola that 

propelled him to a recordsetting 

race average speed of 

over 185 mph. 

• Each winning car driven by the three 

four-time winners of the Indianapolis 

500, A.J. Foyt, Al Unser and Rick Mears 

• Roger Penske’s private collection of his 

team’s Indianapolis 500-winning cars 

• Every winning car from the 1950s 

and 1960s, including the Ken-Paul 

Watson-Offy driven to victory in 1960 

by Jim Rathmann and the Lotus-Ford 

in which Jim Clark won in 1965 

• Every winning car from the 

1980s and 1990s 

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of 

Fame Museum is open every day of the week 

from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults, 

$3 for ages 6-15 and free for 5 and under. 

A National Historic Landmark, the Hall of Fame Museum attracts visitors from 

around the world every year. It houses one of the most diversified collections 

of antique and classic passenger automobiles and racing cars in the world. 

On display, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. November–February*, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. March–October 

32 

2011 CELEBRATION OF AUTOMOBILES 

4790 West 16th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46222 • (317) 492-6784 • indianapolismotorspeedway.com 

*Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Admission $5 Adults, $3 Children aged 6 to 15, Free for ages 5 and Under.

Get Your Lap Photos Free... 

Call 800-257-9496 

or www.condonskelly.com 

insuring your fun since 1965!

CELEBRATION OF AUTOMOBILES May 14-15, 2011 - Indianapolis ...

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