Tire Samples Made with Crushed Walnut Shells for Bobby Unser, 1958
Add to SetSummary
Before his success at the Indianapolis 500, Bobby Unser made his name and reputation in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. The climb's course was all dirt, so Unser looked for ways to increase tire traction. After experimenting with various materials, he discovered that crushed walnut shells, mixed with rubber, produced ideal tires. Goodyear made these samples for Unser's tests.
Before his success at the Indianapolis 500, Bobby Unser made his name and reputation in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. The climb's course was all dirt, so Unser looked for ways to increase tire traction. After experimenting with various materials, he discovered that crushed walnut shells, mixed with rubber, produced ideal tires. Goodyear made these samples for Unser's tests.
Artifact
Samples
Date Made
1958
Keywords
On Exhibit
at Henry Ford Museum in Driven to Win: Racing in America
Object ID
2012.31.2
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Bobby and Lisa Unser.
Material
Rubber (Material)
Walnut (Nut)
Cardboard
Dimensions
Height: 4.5 in (box)
Width: 5.5 in (box)
Length: 4.25 in (box)
Inscriptions
label on box: THE GOODYEAR TIRE & RUBBER COMPANY / AKRON 16, OHIO / [...] / TO: / MR. ROBERT UNSER / 7700 CENTRAL S W / ALBUQUERQUE NEW MEXICO / NC 53045
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