Harry A. Miller Automotive Genius

June 21 – October 26, 2008
at Russell Rassbach Heritage Museum in Menomonie, Wisconsin

Harry A. Miller was a self-taught machinist from Menomonie, who learned his trade as a teenager in the late 1800s in the shops that served the local brick and lumber companies. After leaving home he went on to become, to quote automotive historian Griffith Borgeson, “... quite simply the greatest creative figure in the history of the American racing car.”

An eccentric genius and engineering visionary, during his long career Harry Miller almost single-handedly transformed the face of American racing. His early success came with innovative spark plugs and carburetors. Later, his cars and engines dominated competition in the United States on land and on water for more than forty years. He was a constant innovator, pioneering the development of light alloy metals, aerodynamics, supercharging, both front and four-wheel drive and an amazing array of forward-looking ideas in automotive technology.

Miller’s engines and cars won the Indianapolis 500 12 times and machines powered by Miller-based Offenhauser engines won the big race another 28, not to mention 43 national championships. Within racing circles, he is widely known. Yet here in his hometown, he is largely forgotten.

The Dunn County Historical Society is creating this exhibit to honor the genius of Harry Miller. The centerpiece of the exhibit is the “Golden Submarine” — his first streamlined race car — on temporary loan. This faithful reconstruction is built from an original Miller chassis and engine by collector Buck Boudeman. The Golden Submarine has been exhibited in many prestigious venues including the British Museum in London. Exploring Miller’s many contributions to automotive design will be educational panels, video presentations, and several artifacts describing his illustrious career, all of which will remain part of the Heritage Museum’s permanent exhibits.