Cornelian automobile

The Cornelian was a 1914 American automobile built expressly for racing. It had chain drive and was the smallest such configuration to be raced at the Indianapolis Speedway.

Manufacture
The 1914 Cornelian was manufactured by Howard E. Blood (of the Allegan, Michigan-based Blood Brothers Machine Company), who had joined forces with Swiss racecar driver Louis Chevrolet. Chevrolet used a Cornelian to qualify for the 1915 Indy 500 race, with a qualifying speed of 81.01 mph. Chevrolet did not finish the race, having to drop out on the 77th lap when an engine valve failed (he placed 20th in the results). However, the appearance was good for business, and orders came into Blood's office. However, only a few units had been produced when Blood halted production.

The cycle car was powered by a 4 Cylinder Sterling engine and boasted a light weight of 500 kg displacing 103 cubic inches (1.7 L). The automobile body was monocoque; the rear wheels had independent suspension, and the front wheels were mounted on a Transverse leaf spring front suspension with a solid axle.

The Museum of American Speed has one of these vehicles on display.