1923 Miller 122 Race Car Restoration

In 2005, Jerry Weeks of Metalsmith Inc. approached Banker Wire to assist in the wire mesh restoration of a 1923 Miller 122 Supercharged Race Car. Only about fifteen of these cars were ever produced. This vehicle was almost entirely intact and in its original condition, with only minor changes made throughout the years. Owners commissioned Weeks to restore the car to its correct specifications, who looked to Banker Wire for help with the race car’s grille.

In order to reproduce the grille, Banker reviewed original period photographs in-depth. Consequently, the wire mesh restoration process required a painstaking amount of time. In the world of Concours restorations, judges count the openings on the automotive grille to ensure accuracy. They then compare the numbers against know information or photography. Working closely with Weeks, Banker Wire was able to reproduce the race car’s grille exactly. As a result, Weeks used woven wire mesh IPZ-63 in the restoration. The pattern is a 3/8″ Mesh x 2 Mesh .080 intercrimp / plain design.

Harry A. Miller was an American race car designer and builder. He made unparalleled contributions to automotive engineering and American racing. In the mid-1920s, Miller’s mantra for manufacturing required the parts to be simple, lightweight, and sculptural in design. This demanded a great deal of extra care and time. Shaping the metal entirely by hand perfected the design and craftsmanship of the masterful race cars.

This 1925 Miller 122 Supercharged Race Car entered the 2006 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. The event celebrates the best in the automotive world, both past and present. Entrants from around the world compete in this top-ranking collector car contest. Here, judges determine winners based on elegance, style, and history. Ultimately, the restored 1925 Miller 122 Supercharged Race Car won first place in Class V, Open Wheel Race Cars.

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