The golden age of American racing in the 1920s and 30s is perhaps the most heroic and romantic of all. The great personalities and the wonderful machines they produced and drove will likely never be surpassed. The technological advances developed by legends like Fred Duesenberg and Harry Miller produced some of the most spectacular racing machines of all time. The narrow inline engine and low slung chassis gave the cars a refined and purposeful look. The mechanics of these cars were often as attractive or even more so than the exterior. The age of the double overhead cam engine had begun, and these engines were a spectacle of machined and polished aluminum.

This car was built as a tribute to that era, along with its most famous engineer, Harry Miller, and its most famous Indy driver, Wilbur Shaw. Though not an exact replica, it embodies the spirit and quality that made the cars of that era so magical. In lieu of the 91 cubic inch Miller engine, another very clever and beautifully designed power plant was chosen: the R.E.M. double overhead cam, Ford Model B engine. This R.E.M. is probably the ultimate expression of what can be done with a Ford Four Banger: two chain-driven overhead cams in a design inspired by the mighty Offenhausers. The R.E.M. head, thought to be the highest output and most exotic of all head conversions, is also probably the rarest. Fewer than 10 of these exotic engines are believed to have been built, two of which are in this collection. The engine is so heavily modified one could forget there is a Ford block in the middle. The whole affair is fed through twin period correct Winfield carburetors. A nice feature of this car over its more finicky predecessor is the electric start and charging system. Without requiring an external starter, this one starts easily on the button and runs through a four-speed synchronized overdrive transmission so that even less experienced drivers can get the most out of the engine on the racetrack. This car is properly set up with a hand-operated brake lever, which engages hydraulic brakes on all four wheels for safer, more reliable stopping. One could with addition of appropriate lighting make this car legal for street use.

The all-metal bodywork is built to the highest standard and covered in flawless deep black paint. The number and names have been hand painted and lettered with gold leaf. The dash is fitted with a full assortment of instruments mounted on an engine turned aluminum panel. The odometer shows this racer has only covered 10 miles. The scratch built chassis has 30s era Ford axles at each end and rolls on 18” chrome wire spoke knock-off wheels. The upholstery is fine red leather, and the bottom cushion can be removed to get access to the plumbing.

This car captures all the spirit of the golden age of racing, with conveniences to make the car very user friendly. It has been executed in the highest quality manner with no expenses spared. The paint is perfect, absolutely fresh and flawless and the chrome and machining work are of very high quality. This is an absolutely spectacular machine: if Tiffany & Co. built a racecar, this would be it. A wonderful addition to any collection.