Offered from the Clem and Mary Lange Collection

1911 Inter-State Fifty 'Bulldog' "Indianapolis Racer"

389.9ci T-Head 4-Cylinder Engine
Schebler Carburetor
50bhp (ALAM Rated)
3-Speed Manual Transmission
Solid Front and Live Rear Axles with Front and Rear Leaf Spring Suspension
Rear-Wheel Drum Brakes

*Restored in the spirit of the 1911 Indianapolis 500 entrant
*Participated in the IMS 100th anniversary Celebration of Automobiles in 2011
*Extremely well-finished and attractive older restoration
*A powerful, big-horsepower Brass racer – surely a thrill to drive

THE INTER-STATE

Few municipalities have ever embraced an automobile company in their midst as enthusiastic as Muncie, Indiana, adopted the Inter-State. Introduced by local resident Thomas F. Hart in October 1908, the car was described with the verve and hyperbole common of the age, as "the best automobile made in America, even though everyone doesn't know it." Town fathers made no secret of their hope that the Inter-State would make Muncie the next Detroit and spread word of the town's technological prowess throughout the world. If that never happened – Inter-State stumbled in 1913, reorganized, and folded with finality in 1919 – it was not for lack of trying.

The company's cars really were excellent, well-built, strong machines, and the firm proved it with an entrant in the inaugural Indianapolis 500 of 1911. One of forty entries, the so-called 'Bull Dog' entered as car no. 3, prominently placed in the middle of the front row with driver Harry Endicott. Endicott finished 16th out of 40 entrants. He later recounted that he had to stop eleven times for tires and twice for oil and gasoline, and that aside from a carburetor adjustment, no mechanical troubles were encountered. He would later drive an Inter-State – presumed to be the same car – to victories in two races at Kansas City and in two events at Galveston, finishing third in both, outplaced only by Nationals.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

The example offered here was faithfully restored by the noted Brass Era craftsman Stu Laidlaw around an original 1911 Inter-State chassis and correct 50bhp engine. Bodywork is believed to have been completed by the late Stan Francis of Colorado, and the craftsmanship throughout was excellent, including beautiful leather seats and elegant paintwork in the Indianapolis livery. Reportedly after completion, the reborn 'Bull Dog' was toured in several events, including in the 2000 California Classic Rally in which it covered over 800 miles! In 2010 the longevity of its restoration was recognized when it received Best in Class here at Amelia Island.

The Langes acquired the Inter-State later in 2010. It made a tour of many concours events in the Indianapolis 500's centenary year, including appearances at Ault Park and Louisville, as well as at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway's own Celebration of Automobiles. In the latter it was welcomed to once again drive on the fabled Brickyard, with Buddy Lazier, winner of the 1996 Indianapolis 500, behind the wheel.

Still in excellent overall condition, with only the lightest signs of age and use, this would be a thrilling beast to drive...on Brickyard or on a sleepy country road. It really does Muncie proud!