Indi Racer

The Studebaker Indianapolis race cars, competing at Indianapolis 500 from 1930 to 1933, featured 337 cubic inch straight-eight engine with nine main bearings derived from 1931-1933 President passenger car production. Factory modifications included 6.5:1 compression aluminum head, four carburetors sourced from 1931 Studebaker trucks, Scintilla magneto with added gear drive, and high-performance camshaft increasing output from approximately 110 horsepower stock to 174 horsepower at 3,600 rpm for 1932, further improved to 200 horsepower at 4,000 rpm for 1933. Top speed exceeded 140 mph achieved during 1932 competition. New 1930 regulations outlawing superchargers, increasing maximum displacement from 91 to 366 cubic inches, and reinstating riding mechanic position enabled Studebaker President eight-cylinder engine competition viability.

Studebaker commissioned team of five racing cars for 1932 achieving third-place finish with Cliff Bergere while 1933 entries featured new streamlined bodies designed with wind tunnel assistance achieving team-best seventh-place finish. Company entered receivership March 1933 marking conclusion of Indianapolis racing program after four-year campaign. Strong yet brief Indianapolis presence established Studebaker performance credentials during challenging economic depression era demonstrating production-based engine competitive capability against purpose-built racing powerplants. The combination of 337 cubic inch straight-eight President engine modified achieving 174-200 horsepower, factory racing team support with five-car 1932 entry and wind tunnel-developed 1933 streamlined bodies, competitive results including third-place 1932 finish, and historical significance representing American manufacturer Indianapolis racing effort during early 1930s makes Studebaker Indianapolis racers important chapter in Indianapolis 500 history demonstrating production-based engine racing viability before specialized racing engine dominance.