1. Clessie Lyle Cummins was the founder of the Cummins Engine Co.
16 Facts About Clessie Cummins
1. 2.
Clessie Cummins was an entrepreneur who improved on existing diesel engines, created new diesel engine designs, was awarded 33 United States patents for his inventions, and set five world records for endurance and speed for trucks, buses and race cars.
3.
Clessie Cummins was born on December 27,1888, in Columbus, Indiana.
4.
In 1919, Clessie Cummins founded the Cummins Engine Co, Inc with the assistance of banker William G Irwin.
5.
Clessie Cummins proceeded to rent space across the street from the Auto Show, and the "$1.39 for fuel, Indy to NYC" auto became a popular feature of the show.
6.
Clessie Cummins convinced Irwin to install diesel engines in the fleet of trucks used to deliver food and staples to the stores.
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Thereafter, the growth of Clessie Cummins Engine came mainly from supplying high-speed, high-torque engines, which buyers specified for installation in semi-trailer tractors from most of the major manufacturers.
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In 1931 Clessie Cummins entered the Indianapolis 500 with a self-built four cylinder, three-valve, 85 horsepower, Model U marine diesel that he installed into a Model A Duesenberg.
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The Clessie Cummins Duesy averaged 86 miles per hour and completed the race on 1 tank of fuel, without any pit stops.
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In 1955, Clessie Cummins had to leave the company he created, retiring from the position of Chairman.
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Clessie Cummins had managed to hold onto some key patents and formed Cummins Enterprises Company later that year.
12.
Clessie Cummins moved on to work for the Allison Engine Company in California.
13.
Clessie Cummins identified the problem of vehicle brakes overheating and becoming non-functional during long, steep downhill descents.
14.
In 2022 Jacobs Vehicle Systems was acquired by Cummins Inc bringing one of Clessie's inventions back to the company he originally founded.
15.
Clessie Cummins, Inc is a worldwide builder of diesel engines.
16.
On February 22,2007, Clessie Cummins was inducted into the Central Indiana Business Hall of Fame.