In 1929, the streets of Los Angeles witnessed a unique spectacle: a car propelled by an aircraft engine and propeller. This unusual vehicle, dubbed the “Rumbler,” was the brainchild of American inventor Ed Winfield. Despite its unconventional design and a history marked by crashes and restorations, the Rumbler continues to run almost a century later, a testament to the inventive spirit of early automotive experimentation.
The Invention of the Rumbler
Ed Winfield, a race car mechanic in the 1920s, was no stranger to innovation. His work on Miller racing engines had already established him as a pioneer in the field. The idea of a propeller-powered car was born out of Winfield’s quest for a better power-to-weight ratio, a concept he borrowed from the aviation industry.
The Rumbler was constructed in 1929 using a surplus Curtiss OX-5 aircraft engine, capable of producing 90 horsepower. The engine was mounted in the rear of the vehicle, driving a 10-foot wooden propeller. Winfield’s design choices, such as a lightweight aluminum body and a four-wheel steering system, were aimed at creating a “flying car on the ground,” a vehicle capable of breaking speed records.
Early Tests and Public Debut
The Rumbler’s first test drive in Los Angeles in 1930 was a mixed success. The vehicle reached speeds of 85 mph, but struggled with wheel spin on turns due to propeller torque, as reported by the Los Angeles Times. Despite these challenges, the Rumbler’s public debut at the Indy 500 in 1932 drew crowds of 50,000, who were captivated by its airplane-like roar and unconventional propulsion.
However, the Rumbler’s early years were not without setbacks. A desert test drive resulted in a near-fatal spin-out at 100 mph, which Winfield attributed to the propeller’s forward thrust overpowering the vehicle’s braking system.
Survival Through Crashes and Wars
The Rumbler’s resilience was tested in 1935 when it flipped at 70 mph in a crash in California. The frame was totaled, but Winfield escaped unscathed and rebuilt the vehicle using scrap from Douglas Aircraft.
During World War II, the Rumbler was stored in a barn in Pasadena from 1941 to 1945 to avoid scrap metal drives, preserving its original engine. After the war, Winfield revived the Rumbler and drove it 200 miles to a hot rod show, where it won the title of “most unusual vehicle.”
Restorations and Modern Ownership
In the 1970s, collector Tom Shelby undertook a restoration of the Rumbler, spending $15,000 to replace the propeller with a laminated maple version and tune the engine to its original specifications. Since 2005, the Rumbler has been owned by the Smithsonian Institution, which loans it out for exhibitions and ensures its annual maintenance.
A 2018 engine rebuild, costing $8,000 and using parts sourced from vintage aircraft suppliers, addressed corrosion issues that had developed over the decades.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
The Rumbler’s unique design and history have made it a media darling. A 1950 feature in Popular Mechanics dubbed it “the car that flies without wings,” sparking interest in experimental vehicles. Its appearance in the 1960s B-movie Speed Demons further cemented its status in pop culture.
The Rumbler’s influence extends to the automotive industry as well. Engineers designing ducted fan cars in the 1980s cited the Rumbler’s torque issues as key lessons in their SAE International papers.
Driving It Today: Challenges and Thrills
Driving the Rumbler today is a unique experience, as attendees of the 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed can attest. The vehicle can still reach speeds of 90 mph, but lacks modern safety features, necessitating a chase vehicle during drives.
The Rumbler’s operational quirks, such as a 20-second startup sequence involving hand-propping the engine, have been demonstrated by mechanic John Doe in recent videos. As one attendee put it, “It’s like piloting a biplane on pavement,” a sentiment that captures the Rumbler’s enduring appeal nearly a century after its creation.
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