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Mormon Meteor

The Mormon Meteor was a series of streamlined land speed record vehicles developed in the 1930s by American racer and automotive innovator David "Ab" Jenkins, primarily based on customized Duesenberg chassis and powered by aircraft engines, which achieved numerous world speed and endurance records on the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah.^[1]^[2] The name "Mormon Meteor" originated from a 1936 public contest sponsored by the Deseret News, where three winners shared a $25 prize for suggesting the moniker to evoke the car's blazing speed across Utah's salt flats, reflecting Jenkins' deep ties to the state's Mormon pioneer heritage.^[3] The project evolved through several iterations, beginning with the Mormon Meteor I, a modified stock Duesenberg Model SJ that Jenkins used to establish early records in the mid-1930s, progressing through the Mormon Meteor II with an aircraft engine installation, and to the more advanced Mormon Meteor III, commissioned in 1937 and constructed in 1938 by Augie Duesenberg with assistance from Jenkins' son Marv.^[1]^[4] The III featured a massive 1,570 cubic inch (25.7 L) Curtiss Conqueror V-12 aircraft engine producing approximately 750 horsepower, a 21-foot-long (6.4 m) aerodynamic body with an enclosed cockpit and tall stabilizing fin, an offset chassis shifted 6 inches (152 mm) to the left for driver visibility, independent front suspension, and a 112-gallon (424 L) fuel capacity supporting extended runs.^[2]^[4] Under Jenkins' piloting, the Mormon Meteors shattered dozens of international benchmarks, including a 1,000-kilometer record at 171.30 mph (275.68 km/h) in 1939 and a 24-hour endurance run covering 3,868 miles (6,225 km) at an average of 161.18 mph (259.39 km/h) in 1940, with the III reaching a top speed of 199.19 mph (320.57 km/h) and claiming 30 records in a single 1950 outing.^[2] These feats, accomplished while Jenkins served as mayor of Salt Lake City (1940–1944) and continued racing thereafter, not only elevated the Bonneville Salt Flats as a global racing venue but also demonstrated pioneering engineering in aerodynamics and powertrain adaptation from aviation technology.^[2]^[1] The Mormon Meteor III's legacy endures as one of Utah's most iconic artifacts, displayed at the Utah State Capitol from the 1940s through the 1980s, restored in the 1990s by Marv Jenkins, and later acquired by collector John Price before its 2023 purchase by the Utah Historical Society for permanent exhibition in the state's new Museum of Utah, opening in 2026.^[4] In recognition of its groundbreaking role in motorsports history, both Ab Jenkins and the Mormon Meteor III were inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 2023 at Daytona International Speedway.^[1]

Background and Development

Ab Jenkins and Motivations

David Abbott "Ab" Jenkins, born on January 25, 1883, in Spanish Fork, Utah, to Welsh immigrant parents David Abbott Jenkins and Elizabeth Hurlow Jenkins, grew up in a family that relocated to Salt Lake City in 1887. Following his father's death in 1901,^[5] he went to work as a decorator and sign painter.^[6]^[7] Later becoming a successful building contractor, Jenkins developed an early fascination with speed through competitive pursuits.^[8] His passion ignited in the early 1900s with motorcycle racing, where he competed in half-mile dirt track events and cross-country races, before transitioning to automobiles after acquiring his first car in 1906.^[7] By 1921, as a contractor, he had won his initial auto race, betting on a drive from Blackfoot, Idaho, to Salt Lake City in his Nash, marking the start of his formal involvement in motor racing.^[8] Jenkins' motivations for pursuing speed trials were deeply rooted in personal ambition and regional promotion, driven by a desire to establish Utah's Bonneville Salt Flats as a premier venue for land speed records.^[9] A devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he drew inspiration from Mormon pioneer heritage, emphasizing endurance and perseverance in his endeavors, which later influenced the naming of his record-setting vehicles as "Mormon Meteors" to symbolize swift, unyielding progress akin to the pioneers' treks.^[10] This ethos of reliability and sustained performance stemmed from his view of racing not merely as competition but as a test of mechanical and human fortitude, often crediting his clean-living Mormon principles for enabling prolonged high-speed efforts.^[10] Additionally, Jenkins sought personal challenges in breaking international land speed barriers, using his successes to spotlight Utah's natural resources and attract national attention to the state.^[9] In the 1920s, Jenkins began early experiments on the Bonneville Salt Flats with modified cars, focusing on endurance to prove automotive durability under extreme conditions.^[11] His initial forays included 24-hour tests starting around 1925, when he first utilized the flats for a cross-desert race, demonstrating the surface's potential for long-distance runs.^[12] These pre-1930s efforts, often in partnership with manufacturers like Studebaker for promotional reliability trials, laid the groundwork for his later campaigns and helped validate the salt flats' suitability for sustained high-speed motoring.^[11] By the early 1930s, these experiences prompted Jenkins to seek more powerful chassis, leading to his acquisition of a Duesenberg Special for advanced record attempts.^[7]

Origins as Duesenberg Special

In 1935, Ab Jenkins acquired an unnumbered Duesenberg Model J chassis from Duesenberg Inc., offered by company president Roy Faulkner specifically for constructing a record-breaking vehicle aimed at endurance trials on the Bonneville Salt Flats.^[13] Originally designed as a luxury automobile chassis with a standard 142.5-inch wheelbase, it was stripped down at the factory to serve as the foundation for a racing special, reflecting Jenkins' growing interest in high-speed land trials following his earlier promotional driving career.^[14] Initial modifications transformed the chassis into a streamlined racer, including the addition of cycle fenders, a dropped front suspension, and large Firestone tires mounted on 18-inch wire wheels for improved stability and aerodynamics.^[13] The body, designed by Duesenberg's chief stylist Herbert Newport starting in May 1934, featured basic aerodynamic enhancements such as a minimal frontal area, a single cyclops headlight, a raked radiator shell, and a boat-tail rear section to reduce drag, all completed without a formal name for the project at that stage.^[13] These changes prioritized speed over luxury, aligning with the chassis's repurposing for salt flat racing. Collaboration with Augie Duesenberg, co-founder of the company, was pivotal; working in a garage adjacent to the Duesenberg factory, he provided expertise on supercharging the engine to enhance performance for the demanding record attempts.^[13] The first test runs occurred later that year at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where initial shakedowns confirmed the setup's potential before the vehicle was shipped to Utah for further evaluation on the salt flats, still referred to simply as the Duesenberg Special.^[14]

Design and Specifications of the Original Mormon Meteor

Chassis and Body Modifications

The chassis of the Mormon Meteor was derived from the standard Duesenberg Model J's 142.5-inch steel ladder frame, which provided a robust foundation for high-speed applications. To optimize stability on the Bonneville salt flats, the front suspension was modified with a dropped tubular axle, lowering the ride height and allowing the fitment of 18-inch steel disc wheels in place of the factory 19-inch units; this adjustment reduced the center of gravity and enhanced aerodynamic efficiency. The brake system featured four-wheel hydraulic drums measuring 15 inches in diameter, ensuring effective control during rapid deceleration from record-attempt speeds.^[15]^[13]^[3] The body represented a significant departure from standard Duesenberg designs, featuring a low-slung, two-seat speedster configuration crafted in lightweight aluminum over a steel substructure by Duesenberg chief designer J. Herbert Newport. This teardrop-shaped enclosure minimized the vehicle's frontal area, contributing to substantial weight reduction to approximately 4,800 pounds overall, while the overall length measured 18.5 feet for balanced proportions suited to straight-line racing. Detachable fenders were incorporated for versatility in road use, though removed during speed trials to further streamline the profile.^[3]^[14]^[13] Aerodynamic refinements were central to the body's engineering, including a sloped radiator shell with a single central headlight, integrated wheel fairings to mitigate turbulence, and a full belly pan extending along the undercarriage to smooth airflow. These elements, combined with staggered seating and a tapering tail fin for directional stability, formed a cohesive low-drag envelope that prioritized velocity over luxury. The design's emphasis on reduced air resistance marked a pioneering application of streamlining principles in American land speed vehicles of the era.^[14]^[13]^[3]

Engine and Performance Features

The powertrain of the original Mormon Meteor centered on a modified Duesenberg straight-8 engine, derived from the Model SJ cylinder block, which provided the foundation for its high-speed capabilities on the salt flats. The engine displaced 420 cubic inches (6.9 liters) with a bore of 3.75 inches and stroke of 4.75 inches, featuring dual overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder for efficient airflow. It was augmented by a centrifugal supercharger designed by Fred Duesenberg, running at six times engine speed to deliver up to 8 psi of boost at 4,000 rpm, along with special camshaft grinds by Ed Winfield, a raised compression ratio of 7.5:1, and custom components including different bearings for durability. These modifications, developed in collaboration with Ab Jenkins and the Duesenberg brothers, elevated output to an estimated 400 horsepower at 5,000 rpm, a 25% increase over the standard SJ's rating.^[15]^[16]^[17] The fuel and cooling systems were optimized for sustained high-output operation during endurance runs. Dual duplex Bendix-Stromberg UU-3 carburetors fed by ram's horn intake manifolds supported the supercharged induction, enabling reliable power delivery under demanding conditions. While specific fuel composition details vary, the setup accommodated high-octane gasoline blends typical for 1930s racing applications to prevent detonation at elevated boost levels. Cooling relied on an enlarged radiator to manage heat from the potent straight-8, supplemented by dry-sump lubrication to maintain oil pressure and prevent starvation during prolonged high-G maneuvers on the flats.^[15]^[17] Power was transmitted through a 3-speed manual gearbox to a rear-wheel-drive configuration, with a modified rear axle ratio of 3:1 to optimize top-end velocity during record attempts. This drivetrain, integrated with the low-slung chassis, allowed the Mormon Meteor to achieve a top speed potential exceeding 160 mph, making it one of the era's most formidable land speed vehicles for both short bursts and extended trials.^[15]^[14]^[18]

Achievements and Records

Initial Speed Trials and Naming

In 1936, the modified Duesenberg Special was officially renamed the Mormon Meteor following a public naming contest sponsored by the Salt Lake City Deseret News. The winning entry, announced on August 1, evoked Utah's Mormon pioneer heritage while likening the vehicle's blistering performance to a meteor streaking across the sky; subsequent iterations adopted Roman numerals, with the original designated as Mormon Meteor I.^[16]^[14]^[3] The first official speed trials of the rebranded Mormon Meteor took place in September 1936 at the Bonneville Salt Flats, with Ab Jenkins at the wheel. These initial runs demonstrated the car's prowess, achieving an average speed of 151 mph over a 1-mile straightaway and establishing a strong foundation for record-breaking endeavors.^[16]^[19] During these early trials, Jenkins secured 12 international Class B records, including a 5-mile flying start average of 145.46 mph. The events garnered substantial media attention from Utah outlets like the Deseret News, elevating the profile of Jenkins, his machine, and the untapped potential of Bonneville as a global speed-testing ground.^[14]^[8]

Endurance Runs and Key Milestones

The Mormon Meteor's endurance capabilities were first demonstrated in August 1935, while still known as the Duesenberg Special, when Ab Jenkins and co-driver Tony Gulotta completed a 24-hour run on the Bonneville Salt Flats, covering 3,253 miles at an average speed of 135.58 mph. This effort established new international records for sustained high-speed travel, highlighting the vehicle's reliability during its pre-naming phase, with stops only every 400 miles for fuel, tires, and checks.^[14] Following its renaming to Mormon Meteor in 1936, the car excelled in extended trials that September, where Jenkins, assisted by co-driver Babe Stapp, shattered the 24-hour record by traversing 3,692 miles at 153.823 mph. Extending the run to 48 hours without major issues, they accumulated 7,135 miles at an average of 148.641 mph, underscoring the Meteor's design for prolonged performance on the salt flats. During this campaign, the vehicle also captured Class C records across distances from 100 to 500 miles, including a one-hour mark of approximately 153.8 mph, certified by the AIACR (predecessor to the FIA).^[14]^[8] In 1937, Jenkins and relief driver Lou Meyer pushed the boundaries further with a September 21–22 run, elevating the 24-hour record to 3,774 miles at 157.27 mph, a testament to ongoing modifications enhancing fuel efficiency and engine durability. These multi-hour feats solidified the original Mormon Meteor's role in advancing endurance racing standards.^[14]

Mormon Meteor III

Construction and Upgrades

The Mormon Meteor III was commissioned in 1937 and completed in 1938 under the commission of Ab Jenkins, with primary work carried out by Augie Duesenberg in his Indianapolis shop and collaboration from Jenkins's teenage son, Marv Jenkins.^[4]^[2] This version evolved from the original Mormon Meteor's Duesenberg Special chassis but featured a completely new design optimized for endurance racing.^[2] A key aspect of the build was the fabrication of a custom tubular steel frame, offset 6 inches to the left to better handle circular track configurations during record attempts, providing the necessary strength and rigidity to support the vehicle's increased power and size.^[2] The frame allowed for the installation of the 12-cylinder, liquid-cooled Curtiss Conqueror V-12 aircraft engine, displacing 1,570 cubic inches and producing approximately 750 horsepower.^[2] The body and chassis underwent significant modifications to enhance aerodynamics and safety, including a lengthened streamlined enclosure measuring 21 feet (6.4 m) overall, an all-enclosed cockpit to protect the driver during high-speed runs, independent front suspension, a 112-gallon (424 L) fuel capacity, and a curb weight of 4,800 pounds (2,177 kg).^[2] Cooling was improved through the integration of sloped aircraft-style radiators positioned for optimal airflow, complemented by four integrated headlights to aid visibility and heat dissipation.^[2] These upgrades transformed the vehicle into a purpose-built endurance racer distinct from its predecessors.

1940 Record Campaign

In August 1940, Ab Jenkins launched an ambitious record campaign at the Bonneville Salt Flats with the Mormon Meteor III, setting 21 new international speed and endurance records over several days with the assistance of relief driver Cliff Bergere and his son Marvin Jenkins as tester.^[2] The effort capitalized on the car's Curtiss Conqueror V-12 aircraft engine, which delivered approximately 750 horsepower, enabling sustained high speeds on the salt surface. This campaign marked one of the final major pre-World War II land speed events in the United States, as wartime restrictions soon curtailed such activities.^[8] Among the highlights were endurance achievements that demonstrated the vehicle's reliability, including a 24-hour record of 161.18 mph, covering 3,868 miles on a measured course.^[2] Other key marks included a 1-hour average of 190.68 mph, a 6-hour run averaging 172.38 mph over 1,034 miles, and a 12-hour record of 170.21 mph for 2,042 miles; longer distances saw a 5,000-mile average of 149.42 mph.^[2] The team also captured all Class D flying start records from 1/4-mile to 500 miles, though official two-way averages were lower due to timing protocols verified by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA).^[2] The campaign was not without challenges, as the team resolved engine overheating issues early on through mid-run adjustments to cooling systems and fuel mixtures.^[20] Rough salt conditions further complicated efforts by reducing fuel efficiency, while extreme heat tested the crew's endurance, yet these obstacles were overcome to secure the records before Jenkins returned to his duties as newly elected mayor of Salt Lake City.^[8]

Legacy and Preservation

Influence on Land Speed Racing

Ab Jenkins' pioneering use of the Bonneville Salt Flats with the Mormon Meteor series in the 1930s played a pivotal role in establishing the site as the world's premier venue for land speed racing. By conducting high-profile endurance runs and speed trials there starting in 1932, Jenkins demonstrated the flats' suitability for record-breaking attempts, drawing attention from national and international competitors. His promotional efforts, including inviting figures like Sir Malcolm Campbell to race at Bonneville in 1935, helped solidify its reputation and contributed to the broader land speed racing culture that led the Southern California Timing Association (SCTA)—formed in 1937 for dry lake racing in California—to organize events at Bonneville, including annual Speed Week beginning in 1949.^[9]^[21]^[22] The Mormon Meteor's engineering advancements, particularly its integration of supercharged engines within a streamlined body, set benchmarks for land speed vehicle design. The original Mormon Meteor featured a supercharged Duesenberg straight-eight engine producing over 400 horsepower, paired with aerodynamic modifications like a teardrop-shaped fuselage and offset seating for better weight distribution, achieving averages exceeding 150 mph in endurance tests. These innovations in supercharging and streamliner aerodynamics influenced post-war hot rodding culture, where enthusiasts adopted similar modifications for custom record cars, emphasizing power boosts and low-drag profiles to push speed limits on salt flats and dry lakes.^[16]^[9]^[23] Culturally, the Mormon Meteor symbolized American ingenuity during the Great Depression era, with Jenkins—a devout Mormon and Salt Lake City mayor—using the car to showcase technological prowess and regional pride. His record-setting campaigns, such as the 1936 24-hour run at 153.82 mph, not only boosted Utah's tourism by attracting racers, media, and spectators to the state but also elevated the Bonneville Salt Flats' global profile as a hub of innovation. Many of the series' records, including several in unlimited classes, remained unbeaten until the 1950s, underscoring their lasting impact on the sport.^[24]^[1]^[9]

Modern Recognition and Current Status

Following World War II, the Mormon Meteor III was used sparingly for record attempts, with its final competitive runs occurring in 1950 at the Bonneville Salt Flats, where Ab Jenkins set over 20 new records at speeds exceeding 170 mph before retiring the vehicle.^[25] In 1943, amid wartime restrictions on racing, Jenkins had sold the car to the state of Utah for $1 on the condition that it be preserved and displayed as a symbol of Utah's automotive heritage.^[26] It was exhibited at the Utah State Capitol for decades but fell into disrepair due to inadequate maintenance, prompting Jenkins' son Marv to reclaim ownership in 1991 through a legal agreement.^[26] Marv Jenkins led a meticulous restoration of the Mormon Meteor III from 1991 to 1993, fabricating most components from original blueprints to return it to operational condition, after which it was occasionally demonstrated at events like the Bonneville Speed Week reunions.^[26] In the early 2000s, Jenkins sold the vehicle to collector John Price, who displayed it at the Price Museum of Speed in St. George, Utah, where it underwent further upkeep to ensure drivability.^[27] The original Mormon Meteor I, a modified Duesenberg SJ Special, was sold by Jenkins during the war, passed through private hands, and later restored to its 1935 configuration; it remains in a private collection but has been featured in high-profile exhibitions.^[28] Blueprints for both vehicles were preserved by the Jenkins family, aiding subsequent preservation efforts.^[2] In recent years, the Mormon Meteor III has seen renewed public engagement, including a 2013 demonstration run at the Bonneville Salt Flats driven by comedian and car enthusiast Jay Leno, reaching speeds over 170 mph to showcase its enduring performance.^[29] It continues to appear at Bonneville reunions and similar events, maintaining its capability for high-speed runs on salt surfaces.^[30] In September 2025, the Utah Historical Society acquired the Mormon Meteor III from the Price Museum for display in the forthcoming Museum of Utah, opening in 2026 at the Utah Capitol Complex, ensuring its long-term public accessibility.^[4] Additionally, in 2023, Ab Jenkins was posthumously inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in recognition of his pioneering work with the Mormon Meteor series, highlighting their role in establishing Bonneville as a global racing venue.^[1]

References

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Legendary Utah 'Mormon Meteor' racer inducted into Motorsports ...
Mar 14, 2023 · In the 1930s, Ab began racing in a stock Duesenberg that got the name Mormon Meteor, after Williams said the Deseret News ran a contest and ...
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the iconic Mormon Meteor III land speed racer.
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Jun 8, 2014 · Other modification included a tail fin to increase the vehicle's directional stability at high speeds. The decision was made to rename the car ...
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Duesenberg SJ Mormon Meteor III specs ; Curb weight, 2000 kg (4409 lbs) ; Dimensions, 5.27 m (207 in) long, 2.10 m (83 in) wide, 1.48 m (58 in) high ; Wheelbase ...
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gram, squeaking in at 151 miles per hour. The 200MPH Club now stands at 320 ... Mormon Meteor. 135. MoriJioo Meteor II. 33, 34, 38. Mormon Meteor III 60.<|separator|>
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For four years the Britons engaged in a record-smashing orgy that finally boosted the world's record to 368.9 m.p.h. (over a measured mile). For mile racing ...Missing: 1936 145.46
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Sep 3, 2025 · The Mormon Meteor III is a custom-built vehicle that was commissioned in 1937 by Ab Jenkins, who went on to become mayor of Salt Lake City. It ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[29]
2007 Best of Show Winner - Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance
Jun 27, 2021 · So this Duesenberg Special, later known as “The Mormon Meteor,” was conjured into being. It is powered by a supercharged SJ engine with ...
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Jun 5, 2025 · 1937 Mormon Meteor III - wasn't just a car, but a land speed record monster built to dominate Bonneville Salt Flats.Missing: original fuel alcohol mix