Ray Harroun, #32 Marmon, 1911 Indianapolis 500

Summary

The Indianapolis 500, America's premier automobile race, debuted in 1911. The inaugural event drew 40 qualifying cars and 80,000 spectators. Driver Ray Harroun won with his yellow #32 Marmon Wasp. Harroun's car featured an innovative rear-view mirror that let him see competitors behind him. It's believed to be the first use of such a mirror on a race car.

The Indianapolis 500, America's premier automobile race, debuted in 1911. The inaugural event drew 40 qualifying cars and 80,000 spectators. Driver Ray Harroun won with his yellow #32 Marmon Wasp. Harroun's car featured an innovative rear-view mirror that let him see competitors behind him. It's believed to be the first use of such a mirror on a race car.

Artifact

Photographic print

Subject Date

30 May 1911

Collection Title

Phil Harms Collection 

 On Exhibit

By Request in the Benson Ford Research Center

Object ID

2009.103.P.5037.6

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Color

Black-and-white (Colors)

Dimensions

Height: 8.00 in

Width: 10.00 in

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