Cornelian automobile
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
In 1914, the Cornelian, the smallest chain-drive automobile to ever hit the racing circuit, was manufactured in a short-run by Howard E. Blood (of the Allegan, Michigan-based Blood Brothers Machine Company), who had joined forces with Swiss racecar driver Louis Chevrolet. Fewer than one hundred of these unique racecars were produced.[1]
The cycle car was powered by a Sterling engine and boasted a light weight of 500 kg displacing 103 cubic inches. The car, which featured a uni-body, independent rear suspension and a “suicide front axle," qualified Louis Chevrolet for the 1915 Indy 500 with a qualifying speed of 81.010 mph. Unfortunately for Chevrolet and Blood, the car never finished the race.[2] On the 77th lap, it broke a valve, forcing Chevrolet out of the action, ending up with an unimpressive 20th place ranking.[3]
The Indy 500 museum has one of these vehicles on display.
