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1937 Miller-Gulf No. 002

• One of just two Miller racing cars commissioned by Indianapolis champion, Ira Vail
• Unique and singular tubular cooling system and side-mounted gas tanks
• Exhibited at the 2021 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance and 2023 Amelia Concours
• A tour de force of Harry Miller's advanced engineering and construction
• One of the last major racing car projects completed by Harry Miller
• An unprecedented opportunity to acquire the only two historic 1937 Miller-Gulf Race Cars in existence

VIN: 002

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America's most innovative and successful pre-WWII racing engineer and constructor, Harry A. Miller, had a life story full of highs and lows, marked by both brilliant achievements and significant setbacks. Known for powering Indianapolis champions and some of the era's fastest aircraft and racing speedboats, Miller's designs continue to captivate collectors, historians, and racing enthusiasts. His work also influenced esteemed contemporaries in Europe, such as Ettore and Jean Bugatti.

After selling his business just before the 1929 Stock Market Crash, Miller was bankrupt by 1933 but remained sought after for his engineering expertise. Despite the challenging economic climate and the notable failure of the radical Miller-Ford V-8 cars at the 1935 Indianapolis 500, Miller persevered. He collaborated on a short-lived project for an innovative sports car with renowned stylist Tom Hibbard. In early 1937, when many might have given up, long-time racing driver Ira Vail, Miller's first client for an eight-cylinder racing engine, approached him with an exciting new project. Vail commissioned Miller to design and build two new four-cylinder racing cars, allowing Miller to innovate freely.

The project energized Miller, who based the new racer's lightweight DOHC four-cylinder engine on 1933 plans for a proposed aircraft engine, loosely derived from Miller's 255-cubic-inch racing engine architecture. Cooling was enhanced with cast-in fins on the block and cylinders, adding unintended beauty to the powerplant. The chassis featured robust, deep members, cadmium plated, with advanced independent suspension. Miller's first disc-type brakes resembled clutch plates, a design used in military aircraft. Cooling elements inspired by Schnider Cup racing seaplanes and streamlined speedster-type bodies with the latest aerodynamic concepts gave the cars an Art Deco look.

Soon after Miller began construction of these cars, Gulf Oil purchased and took over the project, retaining Miller and providing him with even more resources, including a virtually open checkbook and state-of-the-art facilities under the newly established Gulf Research Development Co. in Harmarville, a Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, suburb. For its part, Gulf was eager to promote its lubricants and 'No-Nox' 80-octane pump gas with Miller's cars in competition. Despite the large investment and Miller's involvement, the cars were completed but testing at the Langhorne dirt track proved disappointing with severe cooling problems that went unresolved, even with a switch to more normal radiators mounted at each side of the cars. A qualifying attempt at Indianapolis in 1938 was made and, in 1939, the nose cone was reconfigured to a more normal look with a radiator in the usual position behind it - the style No. 001 retains today.

The two four-cylinder cars were sold by Gulf to Preston Tucker, never to race again. Even more radical mid-engine, six-cylinder cars followed and marked the last major project of Miller's lifetime before his eventual passing in 1943. Despite initial promises, heavy investment, and fascinating technical development that could easily fill several volumes, Gulf finally pulled the plug on the Miller program in 1940.

The Miller-Gulf racing car offered here is a wonderful touchstone to Harry Miller's virtually unstoppable genius and one of his last major engineering projects. Bearing Chassis No. 002 and retaining the original engine, it is one of the two four-cylinder race cars commissioned by Ira Vail from Miller and subsequently completed and tested under Gulf Oil. Closely followed by members of the Miller community, this Miller-Gulf is well-known among the faithful.

Provenance is outstanding, with both Miller-Gulf four-cylinder cars purchased from Gulf by Preston Tucker, who separated the engines from each car and is believed to have intended to use them for an aircraft program he once envisioned for the U.S. Army Air Corps. The next known owner of both Miller-Gulf four-cylinder engines was Donald Lockwood, who retrieved them both from the Strufy's wrecking yard in Gary, Indiana, during the 1950s and retained them for the next several decades. No. 002 would eventually be purchased by the consignor's father, who would pass it onto to him some 20 years ago. The engines were acquired from Donald Lockwood after his passing and both original engines were subsequently reunited with their cars.

Differing from Miller-Gulf No. 001, this example, No. 002, was restored back to its original 1937 appearance, which entails the unique and singular tubular cooling system and side-mounted gas tanks, evident from the array of period photos that accompany the car. The chrome-plated copper tubing had too little surface area to eliminate the engine's heat, resulting in the engine overheating when trying to run at the Indy 500. For this reason, during the restoration process an effective cooling system was concealed in one the side gas tanks, so that this Miller-Gulf could be driven onto show fields and for exhibition. The engine, which fires right up, is started by a Coffman "shotgun" starter that uses a black 4-gauge shotgun-type cartridge to turn the engine. These starters were widely used in aircraft, armored vehicles, and tractors during the period. A demonstration of the engine starting and this Miller in action can be found on our YouTube channel.

Under the current owner's care, this example was exhibited at the 2021 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in the Miller featured class and was most recently shown at the 2023 Amelia Concours. The integrity of this one-of-two Miller-Gulf race car is simply exceptional. The development and construction of No. 002 and its sister car are extremely well-documented in Mark L. Dees' authoritative book, "The Miller Dynasty," including extensive period photographs of the cars. This car is also documented in numerous other books by respected Miller experts and is well-known among members of today's tightly knit community of Miller collectors, enthusiasts, and historians.

One of the most attractive and technically sophisticated open-wheel racing cars of the pre-war era, this one-of-two 1937 Miller-Gulf race car is extremely significant and simply irreplaceable as one of the last to emanate from the fertile mind and gifted hands of Harry Miller and his team. As with Miller-Gulf No. 001, Miller-Gulf No. 002 holds its place amongst the very best and most important cars of its era and represents an unmatched part of racing history in America. This an unprecedented opportunity for both cars to be offered back-to-back - the only pair in existence.

 

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The Remarkable Journey of the Last Two 1937 Miller-Gulf Race Cars

Discover the incredible story behind the only two remaining 1937 Miller-Gulf race cars, meticulously restored by Steve Truchan, builder and restorer, and heading to the Auburn Auction next week. These rare masterpieces, designed by legendary engineer Harry Miller, feature groundbreaking innovations for their time, including aircraft-inspired engines, transaxles, and unique braking systems. Watch the short film now to explore their fascinating history, challenges, and revival—this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for collectors to acquire a truly irreplaceable piece of racing history. Watch the short film here.

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Watch Short Film 🎥 RACER readers can receive FREE bidder registration ($150 value) using code "RACER" during checkout.

1937 Miller-Gulf No. 001

1937 Miller-Gulf No. 001

• One of two Miller racing cars commissioned by Indianapolis champion, Ira Vail
• Recognized as the most original survivor by Miller enthusiasts and experts
• Exceptionally original example of Harry Miller’s creative genius
• A tour de force of Harry Miller’s advanced engineering and construction
• One of the last major racing-car projects completed by Harry Miller
• An unprecedented opportunity to acquire the only two historic 1937 Miller-Gulf Race Cars in existence

 

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The integrity of this one-of-two Miller-Gulf race cars is simply exceptional. Development and construction of it and its sister car are extremely well-documented in Mark L. Dees' authoritative book, "The Miller Dynasty," including extensive period photographs of the car's iterations. The car is also documented in numerous other books by respected Miller experts and well-known for its amazing authenticity and legitimacy among members of today's tightly knit community of Miller collectors, enthusiasts, and historians. One of the most attractive and technically sophisticated open-wheel racing cars of the pre-war era, this one-of-two 1937 Miller-Gulf race cars is extremely significant and simply irreplaceable as one of the last to emanate from the fertile mind and gifted hands of Harry Miller and his team. Miller-Gulf No. 001 holds its place amongst the very best and most important cars of its era and represents an unmatched part of racing history in America.
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