A new exhibit at the Dunn County Historical Society honors a local man who transformed the face of American racing more than 70 years ago.

Harry Miller was born in 1875 in Menomonie.

Not fond of school, he dropped out, eventually moved to Los Angeles, and became one of the greatest automotive engineers.

Despite his prominence world-wide, Miller's hardly known in his hometown Menomonie.

Curator Frank Kennett says, "He started building carburetors, very radical new designs, and custom building race cars and so he's the king of the race car builders."

In fact, one of those race cars is on display until October at the Historical Society.

…A car better known as the Golden Submarine.

Frank Kennett says, "The speedometer goes up to 75. It was a very fast car for the time, designed specifically to do well on dirt tracks.

As the years went on for Miller, so did the number of race car wins, as he continued to build radical vehicles.

Frank Kennett says, "They routinely won the Indianapolis 500 and some years 80% of the cars that were in the Indy 500 would have Miller Engines in them."

And yes, the Golden Submarine is up for sale....

Frank Kennett says, "This vehicle can be yours, it is for sale, Buck Boudeman the owner has it for sale at the price of $2 million."

But the owner says it was never really his in the first place.

Owner Robert Boudeman says, "You never own this stuff. You pay for the privilege of owning it for awhile and then a time comes when it's time to pass it on."

The local historians say they're proud of Menomonie’s native son and hope everyone gets the chance to see Miller's contributions to the auto industry.

Historian Don Steffen says, "He's very influential, recognized worldwide for his forward thinking designs. He developed a number of techniques in automotive industry that are used in cars today."

Back in the 1920's, Miller's cars would sell for $10 to $15 thousand.
In comparison, a Ford car at the same time would sell for only $350.

And if you just needed a Miller engine?

Well, that would go for $5 thousand.

If you'd like to see the Golden Submarine, it'll be at the Dunn County Historical Society through October.

Hours are 10a.m. to 5p.m., Wednesdays through Sundays.