THE 1927 AUTOMOBILE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
By Hans Etzrodt
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The World Championship was carried out for the third time in 1927. The regulations remained more or less the same as in 1926 with minor changes reported for the 1927 World Championship. On October 27, 1926, the
AIACR & CSI debated at their Paris meetings the regulations and announced for 1927 [1, 3] that the 1.5-liter formula would remain only until the end of 1927 because of the bad experiences made so far, to be relieved
with the free formula for 1928 [1, 3]. The minimum weight was increased from 600 to 700 kg [1, 3]. The supercharger was allowed [1, 3] and the two-seat body remained for 1927, though single-seat bodied cars would
be allowed [1, 3] as long as the body showed a minimum width of 80 cm to be measured at the seat area for a height of not less than 25 cm [1, 3]. The minimum distance for the great international races was now fixed
at 600 km [1, 3]. Minor changes affected also the events counting towards the championship. The regulations specified five Grands Prix for the 1927 World Championship [1, 3]: Indianapolis on May 30, the Grand Prix
of France on July 3, Spanish Grand Prix on July 31, European Grand Prix (Italy) on September 4 and British Grand Prix on October 1 [1, 3]. From these five races three would be obligatory, amongst them the European
Grand Prix [12].
The Rules
- The World Championship was for manufacturers, not for drivers.
- 1.5-liter formula; maximum engine capacity of 1500 cc - 91.5 cubic inch.
- Minimum weight empty not less than 700 kg - 1543 lb.
- Minimum body width 80 cm - 31.5 inch, measured at the seat area for a height of not less than 25 cm.
- Riding mechanic barred but driving mirror was obligatory as was the mechanic's seat.
- Single-seat bodied cars allowed as long as the body showed a minimum width of 80 cm.
- The series consisted of five races: Indianapolis 500, French Grand Prix, Spanish Grand Prix, European Grand Prix (Italy), British Grand Prix.
- Participation at the European Grand Prix (Italy) was obligatory, also at two other of the remaining four races [12]. Non-compliance would exclude entrant from the Championship.
- In each race manufacturers would receive the lowest point score earned by one of its cars.
- The manufacturer with the lowest points total would be awarded the Championship. In 1925 from 100,000 FF prize money, 30,000 had been invested in the trophy and
70,000 were in cash, something not mentioned in 1927 reports.
- Points Score: 1 point = first place
2 points = second place
3 points = third place
4 points = all other finishers (who completed the total distance).
5 points = all other starters.
6 points = non starters
The Indianapolis 500
race took place on May 30. The inclusion of the premier American race gave the championship the appearance of a World Championship but not the true character of one. The American cars were narrow
single-seaters with a body width of less than the required 80 cm - 31.5 in and therefore did not comply with the official AIACR rules. Indianapolis maintained the engine formula of 91.5 cubic inch
(1.5-liter). The AIACR was aware that only a few European manufacturers would make the trip to America, since the European cars would have been at a disadvantage to the speedway single-seaters owing
to their different design. Likewise, it was questionable if American cars would travel to Europe because their narrow cars would not comply with European rules. Since the Europeans didn't compete at
Indy, it meant that they had to take part in the European Grand Prix plus two of the remaining three races.
George Sounders won the Indy 500 in a Duesenberg ahead of a Miller driven by Earl Devore. The 33-car field consisted of five Duesenbergs and 28 Millers, which included a variety of Miller derived
Specials like Jynx, Cooper Special, Detroit Special, Junior 8, Nickel Plate and others. They were judged as "Millers" since they were modified Miller products. We know from later reports [15] that
Miller based racecars like "Cooper" were classified as "Miller" [15].
In regards to points scored, it is only known from later magazine reports that Duesenberg had 1 point for winning at Indianapolis and Miller received two points. The American cars would probably not
have an affect on the final outcome of the World Championship since it was unlikely that they would compete in two required European races.
| 1927 World Championship Unofficial Standings after the Indianapolis 500 |
| May 30 | July 3 | July 31 | September 4 | October 1 |
| Manufacturer | Indiana-
polis 500 | French
GP | Spanish
GP | European
GP (Italy) |
British
GP | Total
Score |
|
| Duesenberg | 1 | - | - | - | - | 1 |
| Miller | 2 | - | - | - | - | 2 |
The French Grand Prix
was the second round of the World Championship, held on July 3 at the 12.5 km Montlhéry track over 48 laps, a distance of 600 km. Delage won the French Grand Prix with Robert Benoist,
Edmond Bourlier and André Morel in the first three places. The Talbot of Williams and Jules Moriceau finished fourth while Louis Wagner (Talbot) and George Eyston (Halford) were not
classified and Albert Divo retired his Talbot.
After this second race, Duesenberg and Delage were leading the World Championship with 7 points each, ahead of Miller with 8 points, followed by Talbot 10 points and Halford 11 points.
| 1927 World Championship Unofficial Standings after the French Grand Prix |
| May 30 | July 3 | July 31 | September 4 | October 1 |
| Manufacturer | Indiana-
polis 500 | French
GP | Spanish
GP | European
GP (Italy) |
British
GP | Total
Score |
|
| Duesenberg | 1 | 6 | - | - | - | 7 |
| Delage | 6 | 1 | - | - | - | 7 |
| Miller | 2 | 6 | - | - | - | 8 |
| Talbot | 6 | 4 | - | - | - | 10 |
| Halford | 6 | 5 | - | - | - | 11 |
The Spanish Grand Prix
on July 31 near San Sebastian, Spain, went over 40 laps of the 17.315 km Lasarte circuit, a total of 692.6 km. Six entries did not appear, three Talbots, one Maserati, one Halford and one
Jean Graf. This left only seven cars to take the start, three Bugattis, three Delages and one Maserati. Delage was victorious with Robert Benoist, Bugatti second with Caberto Conelli,
followed by Edmond Bourlier (Delage) in third place. Ignazio Palacios (Maserati) retired, as did André Morel (Delage), Emilio Materassi (Bugatti) and André Dubonnet (Bugatti), all of them many laps behind.
After this third race Delage had scored another victory which gave them the lead in the World Championship with 8 [12] points. Duesenberg was second with 13 points, Miller and Bugatti
were equal with 14 points. The remaining manufacturers had 16 or 17 points.
| 1927 World Championship Unofficial Standings after the Spanish Grand Prix |
| May 30 | July 3 | July 31 | September 4 | October 1 |
| Manufacturer | Indiana-
polis 500 | French
GP | Spanish
GP | European
GP (Italy) |
British
GP | Total
Score |
|
| Delage | 6 | 1 | 1 | - | - | 8 |
| Duesenberg | 1 | 6 | 6 | - | - | 13 |
| Miller | 2 | 6 | 6 | - | - | 14 |
| Bugatti | 6 | 6 | 2 | - | - | 14 |
| Talbot | 6 | 4 | 6 | - | - | 16 |
| Halford | 6 | 5 | 6 | - | - | 17 |
| Maserati | 6 | 6 | 5 | - | - | 17 |
The European Grand Prix
on September 4, was the fourth event held at Monza over 50 laps of the 10 km circuit, a total of 500 km. Strangely, this distance was less than the minimum 600 km demanded by AIACR regulations.
An explanation for this change could not be found. There were a total of six cars at the start, one Delage, two O.M.s and two Coopers Specials (judged as "Millers" for the championship) and one
Duesenberg [13] arrived from America. That was remarkable. It must be the only Grand Prix outside USA in which half of the cars were American. Without the American contingent there would have
been only three cars in the race. Robert Benoist won the race in the Delage, Giuseppe Morandi finished second with the O.M. ahead of Earl Cooper and Peter Kreis in the Cooper Special ("Miller").
Ferdinando Minoia in another O.M. finished fourth while the second Cooper ("Miller") of Peter Kreis retired early on as did the Duesenberg of George Sounders soon thereafter.
After this fourth race, Delage led the World Championship with 9 [15, 17] points ahead of Miller with 17 [15, 17] points and Duesenberg with 18 [15, 17] points. These were the only manufacturers
who were still in a position to claim the World Championship [15] because they had participated in at least two races up to this point. All others no longer classified for the World Championship,
since none of them had appeared in at least two mandatory races of the four events (Indianapolis, French Grand Prix, Spanish Grand Prix and European Grand Prix). Delage had an eight point
advantage to Miller, nine to Duesenberg, which was enough for them regardless of the outcome in the British Grand Prix. Even if Miller or Duesenberg were to win the last race it would raise
their total to 18 or 19 points and speculating that Delage would not appear at the British Grand Prix, would still give Delage 15 points and victory. Therefore the Championship was effectively
decided after the European Grand Prix.
| 1927 World Championship Unofficial Standings after the European Grand Prix |
| May 30 | July 3 | July 31 | September 4 | October 1 |
| Manufacturer | Indiana-
polis 500 | French
GP | Spanish
GP | European
GP (Italy) |
British
GP | Total
Score |
|
| Delage | 6 | 1 | 1 | 1 | - | 9 |
| Miller | 2 | 6 | 6 | 3 | - | 17 |
| Duesenberg | 1 | 6 | 6 | 5 | - | 18 |
| Bugatti | 6 | 6 | 2 | 6 | - | 20 |
| O.M. | 6 | 6 | 6 | 2 | - | 20 |
| Talbot | 6 | 4 | 6 | 6 | - | 22 |
| Halford | 6 | 5 | 6 | 6 | - | 23 |
| Maserati | 6 | 6 | 5 | 6 | - | 23 |
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Total Point Score
1 = for 1st place
2 = for 2nd place
3 = for 3rd place
4 = all other finishers
5 = non finishers
6 = non starters
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Manufacturers with gray background did
not classify since they did not contest the
mandatory two races of the first four events.
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The British Grand Prix
was the last championship event, held on 1st of October at a Brooklands special circuit, 125 laps around the 2.616 mile circuit, totaling 327.0 miles or 526.241 km. Strangely, as with the European
Grand Prix, the distance was less than the minimum 600 km demanded by AIACR regulations and an explanation could not be found. After three Fiats and the Duesenberg did not appear and the Alvis of
Maurice Harvey broke down during practice and was un-repairable, there were still 11 cars ready to face the starter. Delage entered three cars and the Bugatti factory sent three of their cars.
Additionally three independent Bugattis started with George Eyston, Malcom Campbell and Prince Ghika plus two Thomas-Special entries.
With their victory at Monza, Delage had already secured the 1927 Automobile World Championship and here they ended up with another 1-2-3 finish driven by Benoist, Bourlier and Divo, followed by two
Bugattis of Chiron and Materassi. The Thomas-Specials of Bummer Scott and Harold Purdy retired, as did the Bugatti independents Prince Ghika, Malcom Campbell and George Eyston/Sammy Davis, while
Caberto Conelli/Williams in the factory Bugatti did not classify.
Delage with 10 points was the sole survivor of the 1927 World Championship. None of the other manufacturers classified since they had not participated in the obligatory three races.
| 1927 World Championship Unofficial Standings after the British Grand Prix |
| May 30 | July 3 | July 31 | September 4 | October 1 |
| Manufacturer | Indiana-
polis 500 | French
GP | Spanish
GP | European
GP (Italy) |
British
GP | Total
Score |
|
| Delage | 6 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 10 |
| Miller | 2 | 6 | 6 | 3 | 6 | 23 |
| Duesenberg | 1 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 24 |
| Bugatti | 6 | 6 | 2 | 6 | 4 | 24 |
| Thomas Special | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 29 |
|
Manufacturers with gray background did
not classify since they did not contest the
mandatory three races.
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At the October 13 [22, 24] AIACR conference, Delage was officially adjudged the 1927 World Championship title [22, 24]. Robert Marcel Charles Benoist, by winning the four European races of the 1927 World
Championship, was honored by the President of France with the medal Chevalier de Ordre national de la Légion d'honneur, the highest decoration in France [25] (Knight of the National Order of the Legion of Honour).
There is the possibility that additional rules existed but absolutely no evidence was found to support it. Such additional rules would in any case not have affected the final outcome of the World Championship.
The significance of the word 'unofficial' in 'World Championship Unofficial Standings' means that the tables were constructed from the best understanding of the championship regulations, but they do not
represent official standings, since these were not issued by the AIACR. Shown are merely the computed points results based on possibly incomplete information about the regulations.
In retrospect
Photographs of the American FWD Cooper Specials (Miller) and Duesenberg clearly show that a crude box-like structure was added presumably to comply with the measurements of the formula. So far, OK. But what
about the mandatory seat for the mechanic? Unless he happened to be a three month old child, he could not possibly fit into that box.
The American single-seaters were not in conformity with the rules. Presumably no-one was going to challenge them, least of all the Monza officials. It was bad enough, a race with only six cars, but a race
with only three is not even a bad joke. Ask the French!
Sources
Since AIACR documents were not accessible, two contemporary magazines served as primary sources, the Swiss AUTOMOBIL-REVUE and the Austrian ALLGEMEINE AUTOMOBIL-ZEITUNG. Several books have dealt
with this topic rather superficially but are not listed here because their descriptions do not add to the primary information base. However, a condensed report of the 1927 World Championship was
told by Adriano Cimarosti in his magnificent book "THE COMPLETE HISTORY OF GRAND PRIX MOTOR RACING". Closer examination revealed that this report was spot on with the point score but a small
glitch credited Miller, Duesenberg and Bugatti with the successive places in the World Championship after the victorious Delage [27].
[1] AUTOMOBIL-REVUE 1926 #83 p3, Nov-2 - AIACR & CSI meetings on Oct-27; 1927 W.C. & regulations.
[2] Allgemeine Automobil-Zeitung (Wien) 1926 #20 p14, Oct-15 - AIACR Meeting on Oct-23 to 27.
[3] Allgemeine Automobil-Zeitung (Wien) 1926 #22 p26, Nov-15 - AIACR Meetg, 1927 regulations; Grandes Epreuves.
[4] AUTOMOBIL-REVUE 1927 #44 p5, Jun-3 - Indianapolis report & results; no W.C. information.
[5] AUTOMOBIL-REVUE 1927 #53 p10, July-4 - French GP report.
[6] AUTOMOBIL-REVUE 1927 #54 p2, July-8 - French GP review.
[7] Allgemeine Automobil-Zeitung (Wien) 1927 #14-p8-9 July-15 - French GP report.
[8] AUTOMOBIL-REVUE 1927 #57 p10 Jul-19 - San Sebastian GP; Spanish GP preview.
[9] AUTOMOBIL-REVUE 1927 #59 p4 Jul-26 - San Sebastian & Spanish GP preview.
[10] AUTOMOBIL-REVUE 1927 #61 p4 Aug-2 - Spanish GP results.
[11] Allgemeine Automobil-Zeitung (Wien) 1927 #16-p33-44 Aug-15 - Spanish GP report
[12] AUTOMOBIL-REVUE 1927 #68 p8 Aug-26 - 1927 World Championship regulations, point standings.
[13] AUTOMOBIL-REVUE 1927 #70 p3 Sep-2 - European GP preview; George Sauders practice crash.
[14] AUTOMOBIL-REVUE 1927 #71 p2 Sep-6 - European GP at Monza & Milan GP report.
[15] AUTOMOBIL-REVUE 1927 #72 p3 Sep-9 - European GP & Milan GP review; W.C. points standing.
[16] AUTOMOBIL-REVUE 1927 #73 p5 Sep-13 - CSI CALENDAR for 1928.
[17] Allgemeine Automobil-Zeitung (Wien) 1927 #18 p-29-33 Sep-15 - European GP report; W.C. points standing: p30.
[18] AUTOMOBIL-REVUE 1927 #79 p7 Oct-4 - British Grand Prix report.
[19] AUTOMOBIL-REVUE 1927 #80 p16 Oct-7 - AIACR meeting on Oct-13 and Oct-14.
[20] Allgemeine Automobil-Zeitung (Wien) 1927 #20 p22 Oct-15 - British GP report.
[21] AUTOMOBIL-REVUE 1927 #83 p7 - Oct-18 - AIACR & CSI meetings.
[22] AUTOMOBIL-REVUE 1927 #84 p16 Oct-21 - AIACR meeting, Delage official World Champion.
[23] AUTOMOBIL-REVUE 1927 #85p11 Oct-25 - Benoist & his W.C. races.
[24] Allgemeine Automobil-Zeitung (Wien) 1927 #21 p28 Nov-1 - AIACR Oct-13 meeting; Delage World Champion.
[25] Allgemeine Automobil-Zeitung (Wien) 1927 #21 p36 Nov-1 - Benoist Knight of the National Order of the Legion of Honour.
[26] Adriano Cimarosti "Autorennen" publ. 1986, p374: Die ersten Automobil-Weltmeisterschaften der Geschichte.
[27] Adriano Cimarosti "The Complete History of GRAND PRIX MOTOR RACING" publ. 1990, p81.
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