The Miller Wedge is a pioneering streamliner dragster.[1]

Miller Wedge
Overview
Production1974
DesignerSammy Miller
Body and chassis
ClassTop Fuel
Body styleRear-engined streamliner dragster

Designed by dragster and funny car builder Sammy Miller in 1974, the car was allegedly a product of Miller's dislike of repeated funny car fires. It featured bicycle front wheels, a low-mounted, front-sloping rear wing, and a mid-mounted engine (placed further ahead of the rear axle than most similar dragsters).[1] The body was a pronounced wedge shape, and covered the front of the slicks[2] (unlike Wynns Stormer, which had a more conventional body and broad wedge fairings over the engine and exhaust, ahead of the rear tires). The exhaust pipes were also enclosed.[2]

In theory, the wedge body offered an aerodynamic advantage, decreasing turbulent airflow over the rear wheels, as well as increasing downforce;[3] in practise, the extra weight exceeded any advantage.

Miller ran the car for the 1974 season, but had "mixed results";[1] the car had no obvious edge over more conventional rear-engined dragsters.

Notes

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  1. ^ a b c Taylor, Thom. "Slam'n Sammy Miller Wedge", in "Beauty Beyond the Twilight Zone", p.38.
  2. ^ a b Taylor, p.38 photo.
  3. ^ Taylor, p.37, "Leland Kolb 'Polish Wedge'".

Sources

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  • Taylor, Thom. "Beauty Beyond the Twilight Zone" in Hot Rod, April 2017, pp.30-43.