The Tappet Clatter is the official newsletter of Revs Institute volunteers. Each issue features volunteer activities and training, Tappet Trivia, Video Treats, and Tappet Tech. Become a volunteer to meet new friends, share your passion for the automobile, help fulfill the mission of Revs Institute, and also have fun.

May 2024

    • We have one new Volunteer in this month’s Membership Report. Tappet Trivia features questions about Briggs Cunningham’s Porsche 904. We list the Volunteer Board of Directors for the 2024/2025 season. The April Members Meeting features reports from our Collector and both Interim CEOs. Featured are pictures from the spring Cars and Coffee. The LaSalle has a unique and interesting crest explored in this month’s article. We take a look at Harley Earl and his influence on automotive design. The Indy 500 comes every month of May. We share one important reason for Penske’s Indycar team dominance in the late 1990s. Tappet Tech exposes the anti-roll bar.

April 2024

  • Five new Volunteers share the spotlight in this month’s Membership Report. Tappet Trivia features Alpha Romeo questions. The March Members Meeting features Porsche Penske Racing’s Jonathan Diuguid fresh off their victory at the Rolex 24 of Daytona. Featured are pictures and the story from the spring Gimmick Rally. This month we take a look at the history of Hillclimb racing. We know a little about Jimmy Murphy and his Duesenberg but this month we tell the greater story. The right car can set the tone for movies or television. This month we look at world saving Bentleys featured in entertainment. Tappet Tech looks at 2-stroke engines.

March 2024

  • The collections’ cars have been busy at Brian Redman’s Targa 66 even and F.A.T. Ice Racing in Colorado so we have reports and pictures. This month have a look at the Targa Florio, the famous race held on the island of Sicily. We have a Targa Florio themed Tappet Trivia to go along with the article. Also included is an article exploring the connection between the Porsche 917 CanAm engine and American driver/engineer Mark Donohue. Tappet Tech looks at air cooled engines.

Eric Jensen
Tappet Clatter editor

February 2024

  • In this February issue we have a Ford GT 40 Mark III themed Tappet Trivia to go along with the Pony Pedigree exhibit. We also feature a report on the Volunteer Awards Banquet. We look at the era of the Jazz Age effect on automobile design. We research Walt Hansgen, Briggs Cunningham’s most prolific driver. We look at the connection between Elva race cars and the mighty Porsche CanAm 917 turbo engine. Tappet Tech looks at water cooled engines.

Eric Jensen
Tappet Clatter editor

January 2024

  • Featured in the January 2024 issue of the Tappet Clatter  is a report on the Miles Collier Collections newest and most unique donation; the 1942 Ford Jeep and the Pony Pedigree display of the Ford GT 40 Mark II. A few volunteers share their thoughts on the vanishing manual transmission and the replacements. The history of the Milwaukee Mile is explored, the oldest auto racing track in the world

Eric Jensen
Tappet Clatter editor

December 2023

  • Inside this November issue is the latest Membership Report which includes two new volunteers. The October Members Meeting featured RevsEd instructor, Mike Barbone, speaking about this wonderful educational initiative. We have the latest news from the Chattanooga Motorcar Festival and Rennsport VII. Starting this month the Tappet Clatter features the profile of one of our staff members. This month features Mike Ellis. Articles include a reprint of the French coachbuilders trade secret to beautiful flowing designs, the Three Olive Machine. We also explore the most exciting and most dangerous race, the Isle of Man Time Trial. Tappet Trivia features questions about Porsche’s leap to the top step at Le Mans and entry into the Can-Am series, the 917. Tappet Tech explains the De Dion suspension.

Eric Jensen
Tappet Clatter editor

November 2023

  • Inside this November issue is the latest Membership Report which includes two new volunteers. The October Members Meeting featured RevsEd instructor, Mike Barbone, speaking about this wonderful educational initiative. We have the latest news from the Chattanooga Motorcar Festival and Rennsport VII. Starting this month the Tappet Clatter features the profile of one of our staff members. This month features Mike Ellis. Articles include a reprint of the French coachbuilders trade secret to beautiful flowing designs, the Three Olive Machine. We also explore the most exciting and most dangerous race, the Isle of Man Time Trial. Tappet Trivia features questions about Porsche’s leap to the top step at Le Mans and entry into the Can-Am series, the 917. Tappet Tech explains the De Dion suspension.

Eric Jensen
Tappet Clatter editor

October 2023

  • In this October issue of the Tappet Clatter, there will be no pumpkin spice added to any articles but we are all anticipating Revs Institute’s reopening October 3rd. We have a report on the first Members Meeting of the year for those Volunteers that could not attend. Also the latest news from the Goodwood Festival of speed. Articles include a reprint of the history of two prancing horses. Also a deep dive into the first Porsche 911 to win a road race and a companion article on its next owner. If you’ve ever wondered what those flags you see waved by race control, they are explained this month. Tappet Trivia features questions on the Ferrari 250 LM. Tappet Tech compares magneto and battery-coil ignition systems.

Eric Jensen
Tappet Clatter editor

September 2023

  • While the Revs Institute is still closed, we present the first Tappet Clatter of the season. The cars and staff have been very busy this summer so we have articles on Le Mans’ 100th anniversary, the Monterey Historics, Pebble Beach and more. History on the road and on track! A new collection car, the 1961 Alfa Romeo SZ, is explained. If you ever wondered how racing cars grew wings, we have a comprehensive investigation in this issue. Included is more Tappet Trivia and the winner of May’s contest question. Tappet Tech explains the history of treaded and slick tires in racing.

Eric Jensen
Tappet Clatter editor

May 2023

  • In this last issue of the season, your editor thanks the many contributors to this season’s articles. MythBusters Part IV busts those stubborn myths hiding in plain sight. Tappet Trivia features questions about the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Reports on the Cars and Coffee and the Volunteers’ trip to the Vero Beach Museum of Art. Your editor attends his first Amelia Island concours and reports on the experience. We have an Adopt-A-Car report that overturns what we believed about the 1923 Mercedes Targa Florio. Inside is an article on the evolution of steering devices used to guide automobiles. Tappet Tech explores why a mid-engine configuration is better for performance automobiles.

Eric Jensen
Tappet Clatter editor

April 2023

  • This issue features articles about Volunteer events like the Hodges Car Show and the Volunteer’s Gimmick Rally. Mythbusters Part III busts those stubborn myths hiding in plain sight. Tappet Trivia features questions about gas turbine engines for automobiles. The  OSCA, the giant killer at the 1954 Sebring 12 Hour race, is explored this issue. Have you ever wondered about the FIA, what it does and where it is headquartered? Those questions, and more, are answered this month. Tappet Tech explores why we see the front wheels at angles on Bugatti automobiles.

Eric Jensen
Tappet Clatter editor

March 2023

  • This issue features articles on Brian Redman’s Targa 66 and Cars on 5th annual events.  The Events Calendar is again full with Education and Training, special tours and Volunteer events. Speaking of training, Mythbusters Part II appears in this issue. Tappet Trivia features questions about the Ford Motor Company and its founder, Henry Ford. Part III of the LaSalle story finishes this comprehensive series. Have you ever thought about the evolution of how you apply front brakes? See the article on page 21. Tappet Tech revives an article on the innovative power brakes used in the Hispano-Suiza automobiles

Eric Jensen
Tappet Clatter editor

February 2023

  • This issue celebrates the 2023 Volunteers Awards Banquet complete with the winners and pictures of the party.  With the season in full swing, the Events Calendar is loaded with Education and Training, special tours and Volunteer events. Tappet Trivia features more questions about the Rolls-Royce mascot. We also feature candidates for the Revs Institute Volunteers’ Board of Directors. Part II of the 1934 LaSalle series; The creation of the LaSalle brand. Did you know Bugatti was interested in airplanes? The Bugatti 100P, a very advanced airplane conceived by the Bugatti company, is explored. Tappet Tech explores the often asked question; Where do we get these vintage tires?

Eric Jensen
Tappet Clatter editor

January 2023

  • A deep dive into the 1934 LaSalle starts this issue with an exploration of the people and General Motors creation of LaSalle. We explore the strange path to the Revs Institute for the 1988 Arrows F1 race car. Briggs Cunningham understood how air affects his cars, his sailboats and used it to his advantage.  This month’s Tappet Trivia features four questions about the history of Rolls Royce’s mascot, The Spirit of Ecstasy. Tappet Tech explores ladder frame and unit-body automobile construction.

Eric Jensen
Tappet Clatter editor

December 2022

  • Revs Institute hosted the WFFMM and NAAM joint conference for automotive museum professionals in November. The Volunteers stepped up to help provide the best possible conference experience. Italy has a wealth of automotive history. Our Volunteer shares his automotive experiences in Italy last summer. Have you ever wondered when car audio got its start? This month we explore the evolution of car audio. Board track racing was a short-lived, dangerous period in early American auto racing covered in an article that helps you understand its significance  This month’s Tappet Trivia has four questions about early automotive history. Tappet Tech explores why roadways and racetracks are banked.

Eric Jensen
Tappet Clatter editor

November 2022

  • In this November issue, we have a “passing of the helmet” story from a Volunteer. What does your editor consider Porsche Gallery Bookends? Find out inside. The Lotus Elite, the epitome of “lightness,” is explored. Also, this month is a report on the Miles Collier Collections Ferrari 250 LM, the car that Ferrari had to build. Tappet Trivia this month features one question about a unique Indianapolis race car. Tappet Tech explores wooden and wire spoke wheels.

Eric Jensen
Tappet Clatter editor

October 2022

  • The Cunningham D-Type Jaguar is featured in this month’s issue. Also a history of Bill Sadler, Canadian race car builder and his creations. A true grass-roots racer and race car builder. Included is a research report on the Ford Indy V8 display engine in the Revs Gallery. We have reprinted a favorite article explaining why tires went from white to black and its connection to a beloved childhood possession. Tappet Trivia features questions about the Cunningham race cars. This month’s Tappet Tech explores hydraulic shock absorbers.

September 2022

  • September’s Tappet Clatter opens the season with a new look. Tappet Trivia features questions about Harry Miller and Miller racing cars. The Membership Committee reports on seven new Volunteers. We also highlight our summer Volunteer activities locally and at Road America. A concise history of the Porsche 550-01 is included as is an investigation of the influences for the McLaren F1. Tappet Tech explains friction dampers used on many early sporting autos.

May 2022

  • This month’s Tappet Clatter has a special Month of May Tappet Trivia that features questions about the Indianapolis 500. Also featured is Part II of the Iceberg in Motorsports reporting on the unseen preparation an IndyCar receives before the start of the race. The Membership Committee reports on three new Volunteers. Also a report on the April Members Meeting. Since April is the start of a new term for the Volunteer Board of Directors, we present a short biography and picture of each Board Member. Part III of Lucy O’Reilly Schell story concludes the story of this amazing woman. Brian Lanoway’s timely history of the Porsche 906- 125 appears just in time for the car to return to the museum floor. Tappet Tech explains the Hybrid automobile.

April 2022

  • Revs Institute Volunteers welcomes six new Volunteers. The Membership Committee reports on the support for the Hodges University Car Show benefiting the student veterans support organization. Tappet Trivia features questions about the Stutz Motor Car Company and its founder. Also a report on the March Members Meeting featuring a great report from Chuck Schmitt on the history of the museum’s architecture and a presentation from Nancy Carlson, retired Exxon Mobil motorsports manager on the value of motorsports sponsorship. This issue features a great report on the recently donated 1929 Du Pont Speedster, an article on the “other” Briggs and Part II of the history of racer, car owner and innovator, Lucy O’Reilly Schell. Tappet Tech explains gears and why automobiles use a transmission.

March 2022

  • Revs Institute Volunteers have been busy with three that have completed their Docent training, remarks from two high school volunteers on their volunteer experiences, support for the first Hodges University Car Show to benefit their Dr. Peter Thomas Veterans Services Center and a report on our February Volunteers Meeting. That meeting featured a great report from Lauren Goodman on racer, race team owner, and innovator, Lucy O’Reilly Schell. Part one of her article appears in this issue. Also, Part Two of Lodge McKee’s history of the museum and volunteers. In this issue are pictures from Miles Collier Collections cars getting exercised at Brian Redman’s Targa 66 event. This month’s Tappet Trivia goes Italian, so put on your Ferrari cap and dig in. New Volunteer, Bill Vincent gives us a peek at the tip of the “iceberg” of work required to ready a race car to compete in the IndyCar series before the first race. Tappet Tech explores the origin of pneumatic tires and their construction.

February 2022

  • Tappet Clatter showcases our annual Volunteers and Staff Appreciation Awards Banquet summarized with lots of pictures. Ralph Stoesser’s Adopt-A-Car report on the Porsche Tractor becomes an article with some assistance from Morris Cooper. One of the inventors of the technology beneath the automobile’s hood, Charles F. Kettering, is profiled this month. Profiles of our new Volunteers and a summary of hours contributed in 2021. Finally, Tappet Tech explores why engines sound the way they do.

January 2022

  • The January 2022 Tappet Clatter explores what the experts are saying about autonomous automobiles. Are they coming tomorrow? Or is it more difficult than we realize? One of our new Volunteers, shares her first in-person experience attending a Formula One race in Austin, Texas. It is a fun read whether you have attended a major race or not. Also, a look at the early history of electric automobiles in an era when they were dominant and a few reasons why they may have faded from the automotive landscape…for a while. Finally, Tappet Tech explores why some multi-cylinder engines are inline, and some are configured in Vee shapes.

December 2021

  • A  message from our Chairman Chip Halverson. Also featured is a report on the terrific November Volunteers’ meeting with Lodge McKee, Scott George, Mace Wolf and Miles Collier as speakers. There are several links to videos featuring familiar cars and events mentioned at the meeting. Morris Cooper has done a little reading about electric cars being marketed to women as the reason for their demise. It is an interesting take on a changing period in the early automobile market. Also, a look at the maintenance requirements of a typical automobile from 1914. Finally, Tappet Tech explores multi-cylinder engines.

November 2021

  • Welcome Back from Our Curator, Membership Committee, Volunteers’ Meeting with GM’s Sports Car Racing Manager, Laura Klauser, From Fiat to SIMVA to Chrysler to Peugeot to Lee Iaccoca and Chrysler Again (part deux), the Metalworkers Art, What is the Dewar Trophy, Horsepower and Torque, Welcoming Our Newest Members.

October 2021

  • GM’s Sports Car Racing Manager to Speak at Volunteers’ Zoom Meeting, New Face at Revs Institute, Historic Races Honor Bill Wuesthoff, From Fiat to SIMVA to Chrysler to Peugeot to Lee Iaccoca and Chrysler Again, Cars as Canvases Exhibit, Fuel Injection.

May 2021

  • Volunteers’ Appreciation Lunch, Sales Brochure Digitization, Jaguar XK100 Display Engine, Steering Basics.

April 2021

  • Millennial Interest in Cars and Collecting, Roads Scholars Event at Road Atlanta, the Allure of French Cars, Origins of the Electric Starter

March 2021

  • Cars on 5th, Opening Day, Targa 66, Lancia D50, Dennis McCluggage.

February 2021

  • Volunteer Gimmick Road Rally, Cars and Coffee at Mercato, Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, Henry Ford and Barbeque, Fiat D Multipla.

January 2021

  • Festive Fuel Up, Emeritus Awards, 1938 Race to the Death on the Autobahn

December 2020

  • Cruise to Gypsy Isles, Rookery Bay Car Show, Naples Christmas on Fifth, Lancia Aurelia B20 Coupe

November 2020

  • Cruise-In, Cosworth DFX, Motorsports in 2020

October 2020

  • Cruise to Road and Gun Club, Targa Florio, Colonel Waldon and the Checkered Flag, Luxury Cars in the Depression Era